The bill H.54 aims to establish a cell phone-free environment in Vermont's public and independent schools, as well as career and technical education centers and prequalified private prekindergarten programs. It mandates that each school board or governing body develop and implement a policy prohibiting the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during school hours, from arrival to dismissal. Exceptions are allowed for students who require such devices for health reasons, as determined by a licensed physician or as part of an individualized education program. Additionally, the bill prohibits schools from using social media for communication with students and from requiring students to use social media for school-related activities.

The bill includes several findings that support the need for this policy, highlighting the mental health crisis among youth in Vermont and the negative impact of social media on students. It references a report from the National Education Association indicating strong support for such a policy among educators, as well as data showing a reduction in bullying incidents in schools that have implemented similar phone-free policies. The effective dates for the bill are set for July 1, 2025, for the findings section and December 1, 2025, for the provisions regarding cell phone and personal electronic device use in schools.