A growing number of states are considering bills to ban cellphones in schools

A growing number of states are considering legislation to ban or restrict cellphones in schools, part of an effort to remove classroom distractions for students.

A growing number of states are considering legislation to ban or restrict cellphones in schools, part of an effort to remove classroom distractions for students as concerns rise about their mental health.

Lawmakers in Alabama, Maryland and New Hampshire last week announced bills to restrict cellphone use during school hours as state legislatures convene around the country in the new year. They join legislators in 11 other states who have introduced bills targeting restrictions as of December, according to the health policy research group KFF.

“Screens are negatively impacting our learning environments, drawing students’ attention away from their classes, and becoming a barrier for teachers to do their jobs. No more,” New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, said in her inaugural address last week, announcing her support for such legislation.

In addition to Alabama, New Hampshire and Maryland, other states’ education departments have advised or piloted restrictions, too. Alabama’s proposed legislation suggests fining students for violating the policy.

If those states were to enact the new legislation, they would join eight others — California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia — that have banned or restricted cellphones in public schools statewide.