Act 122 of the 2025 regular legislative session was signed into law by Governor Sarah Sanders. This new law, known as the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, will have a major impact on students, educators, and parents in our community.
The act was sponsored, in part, by local Representative Jon Eubanks of the 74th District which includes parts of Logan, Franklin, Johnson, and Sebastian counties. This new law prohibits the use of cell phones, smart watches, or any other personal electronic devices by students for the entirety of the school day.
Although the law applies to all Arkansas school districts, each district has been tasked with setting their own policies and procedures. While there are small differences that will fit each school and district best, most districts have adopted a similar policy: all personal devices must be powered off and kept in a backpack, locker, or other storage area and cannot be kept on the student’s person. There are exemptions and policies in place for those that must use their phone as a medical device, like those linked to a blood sugar monitor. Those individuals will need to meet with their district offices to discuss policies. Exemptions are also in place for after-school extracurricular activities and individualized education plans (IEP’s).
Each district is also responsible for setting their own disciplinary action for infractions. These may range from a warning to confiscating devices, or even suspension for repeat offenders.
It is no secret that electronic devices in the classroom have become a major distraction for both students and educators. Many also blame electronics and social media for the rise in mental health issues among young people. Governor Sanders was inspired to launch the 2024-25 phone-free schools pilot program after reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. During the pilot program, participating schools received containers where students would store their devices during the school day.
Arkansas lawmakers are not alone in prohibiting cell phone use in schools. Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Louisiana all have similar restrictions in place. There is a growing resistance across the country to phones during school hours, leading more states to pass their own laws or executive orders.
While there are benefits to the new law, there are also concerns. Many parents worry that the new law poses a safety risk. They fear that in the event of an emergency students will not be able to easily access their devices to call for assistance. There is also a concern among districts that enrollment may be affected, with some choosing to home-school rather than not being constantly connected to their students. There may also be students who choose to home-school to avoid losing their electronic access.
There will be an adjustment period for everyone involved, no matter which side of the issue they agree with. Please check with your district for their policies and procedures regarding the new law.
