For many students at Bedford High School, phones are an integral part of the day. From tweeting on X, formerly known as Twitter, to sending “snaps” on Snapchat and playing games during breaks, there is no limit on technology for many, it appears. Fortunately, our school has chosen to implement a rule where students cannot access their phones during class, a policy that ensures that students are focused solely on the content being taught and classwork assigned. Now the state of New Hampshire wants to establish a similar rule for the rest of K-12 public educational institutions across the Granite State.
After the state of Florida became the first state to ban cellphones statewide last year, many states have been actively figuring out how to implement similar policies. On March 13, 2025, HB 781 passed unanimously in the State House, raising bipartisan support from lawmakers who believe that this will improve the quality of teaching and learning, make an easier environment for teachers and students, and reestablish an active class environment. The bill will head to the finance committee before it goes to the State Senate for a vote. If it receives enough votes, it will be sent to the Governor’s office, which will be most likely signed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte who has voiced her enthusiasm for the bill.
To dive more into the specificity of the bill, it is critical to view the actual text and its measures. The piece of legislation states that, “School boards shall develop and adopt a policy governing student cell phone use in schools. Such policy shall restrict the use of student personal cell phones during class instruction without educator approval.” The state will also give $250,000 to school districts across the state to mandate the restriction of cell phones in school classrooms. The bill is scheduled to reach the House Finance Committee for an executive session on April 1, 2025.
Many parents, teachers and elected officials are enthusiastic about the passing of the bill, as it will ensure that students receive a quality education without the distraction of cell phones’ social media and games, as well as ensure that teachers can teach without interference with taking away phones during class. Some opponents, however, argue that the bill is a restriction of civil liberties, and that students should have access to phones in case of emergencies. The bill, however, does allow for usage during class if permission is received from the teacher. Despite these worries, HB 781 is likely to pass the State Senate, as both Democrats and Republicans recognize the benefits that come as a result of cell phone free classrooms.
Be First to Comment