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SF 370

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa bill restricts student electronic device use during school instruction and mandates grades 6-8 social media effects education, but was withdrawn after substitution by HF 782.

Withdrawn.
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Bill Summary · SF 370

Legislative bill overview

SF 370 regulates electronic device use in Iowa schools during instructional hours and requires schools to incorporate education about social media's effects into grades 6-8 curricula. The bill also mandates that schools develop safety plans addressing student device access. Recent legislative action shows the bill was withdrawn after being substituted with HF 782, though amendments were filed before withdrawal.

Why is this important

Schools nationwide struggle with balancing technology access for learning against device-related distractions and mental health concerns. This legislation attempts to address growing concerns about social media's impact on student wellbeing while providing schools with policy frameworks for managing device use during instruction. The bill reflects broader national debates about screen time limits and digital citizenship education.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation flexibility vs. uniformity: Schools may interpret device restriction policies differently, creating inconsistent rules across districts and potentially raising equity concerns about which devices are restricted
  • Curriculum requirements burden: Mandating social media education in grades 6-8 requires teacher training and curriculum development, potentially straining resources in under-funded districts
  • Free speech and parental rights: Restrictions on student device access and required social media instruction may conflict with parental preferences about what digital content their children access or learn

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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