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 seeks to prohibit the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day and restrict 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 a phone-free school environment, such as reduced incidents of bullying and improved focus and social cohesion.

To implement this policy, the bill mandates that each school board or governing body develop and enforce a policy prohibiting student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices from arrival to dismissal. Exceptions are allowed for students who require devices for health reasons or as part of an individualized education program. Additionally, the bill prohibits schools from using social media for communication with students and requires measures to prevent access to social media on school-issued devices. The effective dates for the findings and the implementation of the cell phone policy are set for July 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025, respectively.