The Arizona House Committee on Science & Technology unanimously approved HB2484, a bill sponsored by State Representative Beverly Pingerelli, to require school districts and charter schools to adopt policies that regulate student access to the internet and limit the use of wireless communication devices during the school day.
“The excessive use of cell phones in schools is a growing crisis that is harming our children’s education and well-being. It’s time to restore order in the classroom,” said Pingerelli. “My bill ensures that schools establish common-sense policies to keep students focused on learning rather than scrolling through social media and texting during class. The goal is simple: devices should be ‘away for the day’ so kids can engage in their education, free from constant digital distractions.”
HB2484 requires school districts and charter schools to adopt policies that restrict student access to social media on school-provided internet and limit personal device use during instructional time. It allows teachers to grant access to social media only when necessary for educational purposes and ensures that students can use their devices in emergencies or when directed by a teacher for academic work.
“Education should be about equipping our children with knowledge and skills, not competing with TikTok and Snapchat for their attention,” added Representative Pingerelli. “This bill restores a learning environment where teachers can teach, and students can succeed.”