Story perspectives

Lawmakers Push Bills to Restrict School Device Use

3/27/2026

Center

Lawmakers Enact Device Restrictions

In Maryland, lawmakers advance the Phone Free Schools Act to restrict student device use during school hours starting in the 2027-28 school year.
In Arizona, a bill allowing parents to sue schools over bullying advances to improve safety, though critics warn of potential harm to disabled students.
Georgia's House Bill 1009 bans personal electronic devices in high schools and awaits Governor Brian Kemp's signature amid safety debates during emergencies.

Left

Senate Votes Bathroom Bill

The South Carolina Senate voted 35-2 to extend bathroom laws to public colleges.
The bill requires facilities to align with students' birth sex.
It would withhold state funding from non-compliant schools.
It would allow individuals to sue if they encounter someone of the opposite sex in restrooms.
A related federal lawsuit involving a transgender student is on hold pending a Supreme Court decision.

History

Historical Context

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 aimed to enhance educational standards in the U.S., emphasizing accountability and student safety. This followed a historical trend of advocating for students' rights, including the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which mandated free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. Recent initiatives in Maryland and Georgia continue to address technology's role in education and safety.

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Lawmakers Enact Device Restrictions

In Maryland, lawmakers advance the Phone Free Schools Act to restrict student device use during school hours starting in the 2027-28 school year.
In Arizona, a bill allowing parents to sue schools over bullying advances to improve safety, though critics warn of potential harm to disabled students.
Georgia's House Bill 1009 bans personal electronic devices in high schools and awaits Governor Brian Kemp's signature amid safety debates during emergencies.

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