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Bill

HB 167

Public schools; require school boards to adopt policy on bell-to-bell cell phone prohibition.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Omeria Scott

Mississippi would require school boards to adopt cell phone prohibition policies during instructional time to reduce classroom distraction and improve student focus.

Died In Committee
#education
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Bill Summary · HB 167

Legislative bill overview

HB 167 would require Mississippi school boards to adopt policies prohibiting students from using cell phones during instructional time (bell-to-bell). The bill mandates that each school district establish and enforce such a policy, though it allows districts flexibility in implementation details.

Why is this important

Cell phone use during class has been linked to reduced academic focus, classroom disruption, and mental health concerns among students. This bill addresses growing concerns about student distraction and device dependency by creating a statewide framework, though enforcement and consistency would vary by district. The measure ultimately failed to advance, but reflects ongoing national debates about balancing student device access with educational environments.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Schools must develop policies and enforce them, potentially requiring additional administrative resources and staff training without funding provisions
  • Parental communication: Restricting bell-to-bell access may limit parents' ability to reach children in emergencies, a concern frequently raised by families
  • Equity and accessibility: Students who rely on phones for learning accommodations, translations, or medical monitoring could face barriers unless policies include exemptions
  • Enforcement disparities: Policies across districts could vary significantly, and enforcement may disproportionately affect certain student populations based on disciplinary practices

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

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