Delaware lawmaker push for stricter school cell phone policies

In an effort to curb classroom disruptions and address rising concerns over student behavior and mental health, Delaware lawmakers are advancing new legislation that would require all public schools and charter schools in the state to adopt stricter policies on student cell phone use.

Sen. Eric Buckson, R-South Dover, introduced Senate Bill 106 on Tuesday, a bipartisan measure aimed at empowering schools to set enforceable limits on phone use during the school day. The bill responds to growing concern from educators and parents over the impact of constant digital distractions on learning environments.

Cell phones in schools

“As a former public school educator and a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how cell phones can undermine the learning environment,” Buckson said. “This bill strikes a balance by respecting local control while ensuring schools take real action to reduce classroom distractions and foster more focused, respectful learning spaces.”

If passed, SB 106 would require every school district and charter school in Delaware to implement a written cell phone policy by August 1.

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These policies must include clear definitions of acceptable and unacceptable use, restrict phones during instructional time, and outline specific consequences for violations. Limited use would be allowed in designated areas or times, and exceptions would be made for emergencies or medical and educational needs.

The legislation also mandates that the policies be created with input from educators and ensures that responsibility for enforcement is shared across school staff, not left solely to individual teachers.

Recent studies support the need for action. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of public high school teachers consider cell phones a major source of distraction. Locally, a Delaware Department of Education survey revealed that 61% of teachers and staff viewed phone use as “very disruptive” in classrooms.

“Cell phones aren’t going away, and they can be useful tools when used appropriately,” Buckson said. “But too often, they’re a barrier to learning, and we owe it to our students and teachers to set boundaries that support a healthy, focused classroom environment.”

SB 106 has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee, where it is expected to receive a hearing in the coming weeks.