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Bill

Bill

SB 11

ANTI-DISTRACTION POLICY IN SCHOOLS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Crystal Brantley and 1 co-sponsor

New Mexico schools must implement policies restricting student device use during instruction to reduce classroom distractions and improve academic focus.

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Bill Summary · SB 11

Legislative bill overview

SB 11 establishes statewide anti-distraction policies in New Mexico public schools, requiring restrictions on student device use and classroom interruptions during instructional time. The bill sets standards for when and how students can access phones, tablets, and other electronic devices, with implementation guidelines for school districts.

Why is this important

Student device distraction is cited by educators as a significant barrier to academic focus and classroom management. This legislation attempts to address concerns about declining attention spans and test performance by creating uniform policies across districts, though it represents a notable shift in student autonomy and parental oversight of technology access during the school day.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement and equity concerns: Implementation may be inconsistent across districts with varying resources; concerns about whether restrictions disproportionately affect students with documented needs for device access (medical alerts, accessibility accommodations, IEPs)
  • Parental authority and emergency access: Tension between school authority to restrict devices and parental desire to reach children in emergencies; unclear provisions for legitimate communication needs during school hours
  • Educational necessity versus restriction: Debate over whether blanket restrictions limit legitimate educational uses of technology (research, digital literacy instruction, assistive technology) versus addressing genuine distraction problems

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

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