Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06), Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03), and Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-08) reintroduced the Focus on Learning Act, bipartisan legislation requiring the U.S. Surgeon General to complete a study that considers the effects of cell phone use among students aged K-12 and how it impacts their mental health and academic performance. Congressman Westerman released the following statement:
“For too long, we’ve seen how technology has continued to develop, meanwhile leaving our teachers, school administrators, and students behind to fend for themselves. Educators across the country will be the first to tell you how cell phone use causes major disruptions in the development of young people’s minds and creates barriers to an effective educational experience. Students across the country are suffering under the weight of social media algorithms specifically created to become addictive – and they are working. Students are our future,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman, “and it’s time for Congress to put our nation’s young people first and cultivate the healthiest and best possible learning environment for our students. The Focus on Learning Act is an excellent first step to address this important issue.”
"As a dad, I know that cell phone use in school is harming our kids' mental health and undermining their academic success," said Congressman Jason Crow. "That’s why I’m introducing the Focus on Learning Act so that we can better understand how increased phone use is impacting learning and give our kids the best opportunity to succeed.”
“The reality is that cell phone use is up, test scores are down, and our nation is facing a youth mental health crisis,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “Cell phone use in schools needs to be examined as we work to address these concerning issues facing our kids. We must be guided by the science and the facts, and the Focus on Learning Act is an important step toward ensuring that our students are receiving world-class education and we are creating learning environments where they can thrive.”
“As a father, I know that cell phone use in our schools is taking a negative toll on young Americans. We must do all we can to ensure our kids are successful, which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Focus on Learning Act,” said Congressman Pete Stauber.
“Widespread use of cell phones in schools are at best a distraction for young Americans; at worst, they expose schoolchildren to content that is harmful and addictive. Our legislation will make schools remain centers of learning,” said Senator Tom Cotton.
Background:
• Since 2012, test scores have steeply declined nationwide, presumably correlated with the increased presence of cell phones in schools.
• Recent studies show that three-quarters of U.S. teens feel more happy/peaceful when they are away from their phones.
• As research is being conducted in scholarly settings, there’s a gap in data on the real-time effects of cell phone usage in classrooms and its impact on the learning and mental health of students.
Focus on Learning Summary:
• Requires the U.S. Surgeon General to complete a study on the effects of cell phone use in K-12 classrooms on students’ mental health and academic performance.
• Authorizes $5 million annually for the next five years for a pilot program that provides students with secure containers to store cell phones during school hours.
• The pilot program will allow exceptions for students with health conditions, disabilities, and non-English speakers.
• Participating schools will have a communication system in place to allow teachers, students, and administrators to communicate with local emergency responders in case of an emergency.
• U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Katie Britt (R-AL) are cosponsors of the Senate companion Focus on Learning Act.
Read bill text here.
