The proposed bill S.21 aims to establish a cell phone-free environment in Vermont's public schools, independent schools, career and technical education centers, and prequalified private prekindergarten programs. It prohibits the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day and restricts schools from communicating with students through social media. The bill includes findings that highlight the support for such policies among educators, the mental health crisis among youth, and the potential benefits of phone-free policies in reducing incidents of bullying and harassment.

To implement this policy, each school board or governing body is required to develop and enforce a policy that prohibits student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices from arrival to dismissal, with certain exceptions for health-related needs or individualized education plans. Additionally, the bill prohibits schools from integrating social media into educational activities and mandates measures to prevent students from accessing social media on school-issued devices. The effective dates for the findings and the cell phone policy are set for July 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025, respectively.