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Bill

HB 808

Wireless devices; restrict use of by students during instructional time and prohibit social media access.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Felsher

Mississippi bill restricting student wireless device use and social media access during school instruction died in committee without advancing.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 808

Legislative bill overview

HB 808 would restrict student use of wireless devices during instructional time in Mississippi schools and prohibit access to social media platforms on school networks and devices. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, after being referred to the Education Committee in January.

Why is this important

Student device usage during class has become a significant educational policy debate, with research showing both risks (distraction, reduced learning) and benefits (accessibility, assistive technology). Schools nationwide are grappling with balancing classroom focus against legitimate educational uses of technology and students with disabilities who rely on devices for accommodation.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and enforcement: Defining "instructional time," determining what counts as legitimate educational use, and practical enforcement across multiple devices and platforms
  • Disability accessibility: Restrictions could conflict with accommodations for students with disabilities who require devices for communication, learning assistance, or medical monitoring
  • Social media prohibition feasibility: Technical enforcement challenges and questions about whether restrictions should extend to personal devices versus school-issued equipment
  • Parental control vs. school authority: Disagreement over whether device restrictions during school hours should be a school decision or parent choice

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

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