SB0178 | Devices in Public Schools

Description
General Description: 

This bill addresses the use of cellphones, smart watches, or emerging technologies during classroom hours.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill addresses the use of cellphones, smart watches, or emerging technologies during
the school day.
▸prohibits a student from using a cellphone, smart watch, or emerging technology during
the school day;
▸allows a local education agency to create exemptions to the prohibition; and
▸permits the State Board of Education to create model policies

Bill Details
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Senate/ to standing committee
Last Action: 
Jan 29, 2025
Sponsor
Senator
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Pending
Impact on Children: 

Devices in the public schools are causing problems for teachers, students and the learning environment. By prohibiting cell phones and other digital devices in the schools, distraction will decrease and teachers will be empowered for teaching in their classrooms.

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Utah PTA and its constituent associations advocate for laws, policies, and technology development which protects children and youth from surveillance capitalism, persuasive technology, and algorithms which encourage addictive usage of social media

Assist schools, community councils, parents and students in learning safe and responsible digital wellness and citizen behaviors through trainings, consultation, and distribution of resources;

Work with legislators, state and local school boards, and school community councils to establish appropriate social media policies and discipline measures in regards to, but not limited to, cyberbullying, sexting, and hazing