When Does the IA School Cell Phone Ban Start?

I'm Addicted to My Phone (And I'm Not Ashamed)

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a bit addicted to my phone.

I grew up in the odd age where my family had dial up internet and smart phones. So, I've always been surrounded by some sort of electronic device at home or at school.

Growing Up in a Digital Crossover Era

This is a bit embarrassing, but I was one of the last kids to switch from a Nokia flip phone to a smart phone.

From the moment I got my hands on one of those devices, I think I knew deep down that it would cause some issues.

I struggled to focus and get tasks done. Honestly, I think I lost a bit of creativity too!

Some of my best ideas come to me when I'm bored, and now with all of the devices we have, being bored is impossible.

Iowa Kids Are Getting Phones Earlier Than Ever

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According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 53% of children have a smartphone by eleven years old.

Also, 95% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 years have access to a cell phone.

Iowa Lawmakers Push for a School Cell Phone Ban

Iowa lawmakers are trying to nip this in the bud for future generations of students.

Earlier this year, Governor Kim Reynolds introduced a plan to ban cell phones in schools. This proposal has passed in both the Iowa House and Senate.

She is expected to sign it into law on Thursday, April 10th, according to reports.

When Will the Iowa School Cell Phone Ban Start?

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For the upcoming school year, districts will have to implement rules regarding the usage of electronic devices in Iowa classrooms. This bill actually received bipartisan support amongst Iowa lawmakers.

This electronics ban will be put into place for all public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

Iowa Hands Free Cell Phone Ban

What Are the Rules? Here's What Every IA School Must Include

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According to the piece of legislation House File 782, this cell phone ban will go into effect starting on July 1st, 2025.

At this time, the board of directors for every single school district will be required to adopt policies that will limit student use of personal electronic devices.

There are seven different conditions that every school's policies must do. The new cell phone rules and policies must:

Identify available educational devices
Districts will have to decide what educational devices or tech that students will have access to during the school day.
Provide communication methods for parents/guardians
Parents or guardians have to have a way to contact their kids during the school day or during after school activities/sports.
Emergency communication methods
There also needs to be details on how students and guardians can communicate in an emergency situation.
Secure storage protocols
One of my first questions if I were a parent, would be how and where the devices I probably paid for would be stored. So, some sort of secure storage plan has to be in place.
Disciplinary actions for violations
Even if there is a full on ban of cell phones at an Iowa school, there are bound to be a few rulebreakers. So, if someone does violate the standards set by the district, school officials have to establish consequences that make sense for the violation.
Petition process for device access
If a student has a need for the device during the day for a mental health or other health related reason, the school must allow parents or guardians to petition the school so they can still have access to their phones or devices during the school day.
Access for students with an IEP or 504 Plan
Students that have an individualized education program (IEP) or a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794) to maintain access to their personal electronic device during classroom instruction if required by their IEP or 504 Plan.