Des Moines, Iowa – The governor’s proposal to ban students from using cell phones during class time has cleared initial review in the Iowa Senate. School districts would have to adopt policies for cell phone use by the start of the next school year. 6th, 7th and 8th graders would also have to learn about the effects of social media as part of the bill. Dave Daughton, a lobbyist for the School Administrators of Iowa and Rural School Advocates, says state officials need to provide sample policies and professional development before schools have to enforce the bill.
Schools woud be able to provide exemptions for students with health issues or disabilities who need to use personal electronic devices in class.
(Reporting by Isabella Luu, Iowa Public Radio)
