The Hawaii State Legislature is currently debating several bills aimed at restricting or outright banning cell phone use in schools, citing concerns about student focus, mental health, and academic performance. The proposed legislation, spanning both the House and Senate, aims to create a more consistent and effective approach to managing electronic device use within the Department of Education (DOE). If enacted, the changes would take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

House Bills Seek Comprehensive Solutions

Five House bills are currently under consideration. HB 289 proposes requiring the DOE to prohibit cell phone use during instructional hours, restrict student access to social media through the school’s internet, and implement a social media education campaign.

HB 485 takes a broader approach, establishing a statewide DOE policy on cell phone use. This bill defines “Cell phone” and “School hours” and mandates the DOE to develop and implement comprehensive guidelines. Key provisions include:

• Permitted Use: Allowing cell phone use during emergencies or for educational purposes explicitly approved by teachers.
• Restrictions: Prohibiting personal use, social media, gaming, and other non-educational activities during instructional time.
• Designated Areas: Identifying specific areas where cell phone use is permitted, such as designated breaks or before and after school.
• Enforcement Measures: Establishing clear disciplinary actions for violations, mechanisms for parental involvement, and a system for educators to report noncompliance.

HB 485 emphasizes collaboration, requiring the DOE to solicit input from parents, educators, and community stakeholders. It also mandates a reporting mechanism for schools to track incidents related to cell phone use and incorporates student education on responsible digital device use.

HB 1195 and HB 1224 share identical language, proposing a statewide ban on cell phone use during instructional hours. These bills cite increasing concerns about the impact of cell phones on student learning, referencing statistics that reveal the extent to which teenagers use their phones throughout the school day, receiving constant notifications that disrupt their attention. The bills also highlight concerns about the correlation between excessive social media use and declining mental health.

HB 1303 focuses on managing the use of various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, by both students and potentially staff within school environments. Concerns driving this bill include decreased student attention spans, increased instances of online harassment, and potential for cheating.

Senate Bill Proposes a Straight Ban

The Senate is considering SB 684, which calls for a complete ban on cell phone use in DOE schools. The bill directs the Board of Education to adopt rules prohibiting cell phone usage.

Early testimony on SB 684 reveals support for banning cell phones for students, with a caveat from one teacher, Renee Dieperink, who emphasized the importance of allowing teachers and staff to use their cell phones for communication with parents and colleagues, particularly during emergencies.

National Trend and Future Steps

The Hawaii legislation aligns with a growing national trend. Several states, including Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, Virginia, and California, have already adopted or proposed policies to limit or restrict cell phone use in schools.

All of the House bills have passed their first reading and are currently being referred to the EDN, JHA, and FIN committees. SB 684 has also passed its first reading, with the EDU committee deferring the measure.

Public testimony is not yet open for these bills, but individuals can contact their House or Senate representatives to express their support or opposition. The debate surrounding these bills is expected to continue as the legislature considers the best way to create a focused and productive learning environment for Hawaii’s students.