Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, a proposed law that would ban smartphones, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices in all public schools across Arkansas during school hours. If passed, the legislation will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year. Senator Tyler Dees (District 35) and Representative Jon Eubanks (District 46) are sponsoring the bill in the state legislature.
Governor Sanders made it clear that this initiative aims to tackle the rising mental health crisis among young people, which she believes is largely driven by excessive social media use and smartphone distractions.
“We have seen a staggering rise in mental illness among young people over the past decade. The culprit is clear: unrestricted access to smartphones and social media,” said Governor Sanders. “After the overwhelming success of our phone-free schools pilot program, it’s clear that it’s time for Arkansas to ban smartphones, bell to bell, in every school in our state.”
Reducing Distractions and Improving Learning
Supporters of the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act emphasize that the presence of smartphones in schools negatively impacts student focus and emotional well-being. Senator Tyler Dees expressed confidence that limiting phone use during school hours will not only improve students’ mental health but also enhance their academic performance.
“Arkansas kids deserve every advantage we as parents can give them, and helping them keep their heads in the game at school isn’t just good for their mental health. It will improve the quality of their education overall, making them more prepared for the challenges of life,” said Senator Dees.
Representative Jon Eubanks also highlighted how cell phones have become a major classroom distraction, interfering with teachers’ ability to engage students in learning.
“I think we can all agree cell phones are a serious distraction for students. This legislation will limit that distraction so that phones do not interfere with the learning process,” said Representative Eubanks.
Under the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, each Arkansas public school district must publish its cell phone policy on its website and clearly outline any exemptions for specific cases, including:
- Health reasons
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- After-school extracurricular activities
- Emergency situations
Governor’s Push for Stronger Digital Safety Laws
Governor Sanders has made mental health and digital safety a top priority in 2025, addressing concerns about how social media affects children. She has also pledged to update Arkansas’ Social Media Safety Act, which has been stalled in court, and push for new legislation that allows parents to sue Big Tech companies under state law.
The Governor’s phone-free schools pilot program, launched last summer, served as a test run for this initiative. Participating school districts received state funding to purchase storage containers where students could secure their devices during school hours. Inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, Sanders sent a copy to every Arkansas legislator and governor in the U.S. to spread awareness about the dangers of social media.
In December, Governor Sanders and Haidt visited schools across Arkansas to witness the program’s implementation firsthand. They held roundtable discussions and speaking events with lawmakers, parents, and educators to promote the benefits of a phone-free learning environment. The Governor and Haidt even took their message to an international stage, speaking on a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to advocate for phone-free schools worldwide.
As Arkansas moves forward with this legislation, it could serve as a model for other states considering similar restrictions on smartphones in schools. If passed, Arkansas will become the first state in the nation to enact a statewide ban on student smartphone use in public schools during classroom hours.
