JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Lawmakers, Attorney General Weiser Highlight Legislation to Create Healthier Learning Environments for Students

DENVER, CO – Representative Meghan Lukens, Senator Janice Marchman, Attorney General Phil Weiser, Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County and Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock today highlighted legislation to limit student distraction caused by cell phones and foster a healthier learning environment. 

“As an educator, I know limiting distractions in the classroom is essential to fostering a strong learning environment where students are engaged and asking questions,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “New, bipartisan legislation I’m sponsoring will help limit distractions caused by cell phones and keep the focus on learning in our classrooms.”

"As a middle school teacher, I know how important it is to set our students up for success. An important aspect of that is limiting distractions,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland. “This bill ensures that every district has a cell phone policy crafted by and for them, providing clarity and consistency. Cell phones are great tools, but in the hands of students during class, can easily be a distraction from learning. This important bill will help Colorado's students thrive.”

“As a committed advocate for youth mental health, I strongly support this bipartisan legislation, which empowers schools to address the growing challenges posed by smartphones in the classroom,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “By encouraging healthier cell phone habits and more focused learning environments, this bill is a critical step toward improving student well-being and academic success across Colorado.”

The legislation will be introduced later today and aims to reduce cell phone-related distractions in classroom settings while promoting mental health among Colorado students.

This bill encourages local control by allowing districts to consider their own guidelines when creating their district level policy. This bill would not impose a statewide ban on student cell phone use in schools.

Under this bill, school districts would create their own policy for student cell phone use in a K-12 setting. Policies must accommodate students with disabilities, and those who rely on those who rely on phones for healthcare needs or learning purposes.

Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools can have negative effects on performance, including lower test scores and smaller learning gains. Additionally, cell phone use is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety.

From Florida to Ohio, at least 19 states have laws or policies that prohibit or limit the use of student cell phone use in schools or encourage districts to create their own policies as a best practice.