This bill mandates the Commissioner of Education to develop a comprehensive policy regarding student use of cell phones and social media platforms for students in grades K-12. The policy must be issued within 90 days of the bill's enactment and should include guidelines that address age-appropriate restrictions, prohibit non-academic use during classroom instruction, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws, including provisions for students with disabilities. It also allows for cell phone use in emergencies or for health-related reasons, outlines storage options for cell phones, and provides guidance for establishing network restrictions on social media access. Furthermore, the policy must detail how it will be communicated to students, families, and staff.
In addition to the commissioner's policy, each board of education is required to adopt its own policy that aligns with the state guidelines. The bill allows for exemptions from this requirement upon application to the commissioner. It emphasizes the importance of promoting student learning and well-being while involving stakeholders in the policy development process. Overall, the bill aims to create a structured approach to managing cell phone and social media use in educational settings.