This bill mandates the Commissioner of Education to create a comprehensive policy regarding student use of cell phones and social media platforms for students in grades K-12. The policy must be developed within 90 days of the bill's enactment and should address various aspects, including age-appropriate restrictions, prohibitions on non-academic use during classroom instruction, and guidelines for emergency situations. It also requires the policy to be consistent with state and federal laws, including provisions for students with disabilities. Furthermore, the policy should outline options for cell phone storage, establish network-based restrictions on social media access, and detail communication protocols for informing students, families, and staff about the policy.
In addition to the commissioner's policy, each board of education is required to adopt its own policy that aligns with the state policy. However, boards may apply for an exemption from this requirement. The bill emphasizes the importance of promoting student learning and well-being and encourages stakeholder involvement in the policy development process. Overall, the legislation aims to create a structured approach to managing cell phone and social media use in educational settings.