Rhode Island Senate Passes Bill to Limit Electronic Device Use in Schools

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Students in a distraction-free classroom environment, emphasizing focus and academic success.

News Summary

The Rhode Island Senate has approved legislation aimed at restricting the use of personal electronic devices by students during school hours. Sponsored by Senator Melissa Murray, the bill requires school districts to create policies regulating device usage while allowing exceptions for assistive technology and medical needs. The bill aims to minimize distractions in classrooms, enhancing the learning environment, and will proceed to the House for a vote.

Providence, Rhode Island – On May 13, 2025, the Rhode Island Senate approved a significant piece of legislation aimed at restricting the use of personal electronic devices by students during school hours. The bill, championed by Senator Melissa Murray, is designed to foster a more focused learning environment conducive to academic success.

The newly passed bill mandates that all school districts within Rhode Island establish a comprehensive policy regulating the usage of personal electronic devices—including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smartwatches—on school grounds. This policy framework must then be submitted for approval to the Rhode Island Department of Education.

According to the bill, there are exceptions to the ban, accommodating students who require assistive technology as identified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plans. Additionally, medical exceptions are permitted for specific needs, such as glucose monitoring devices and language support for emergent multilingual learners. The legislation also allows for device use in emergency situations, ensuring that student safety remains a priority.

An important amendment has been introduced, ensuring that schools will not have the authority to search the contents of any student’s personal device, thus maintaining students’ privacy rights amidst the regulatory measures.

The bill will now proceed to the Rhode Island House of Representatives for a vote. If approved, the law is expected to take effect on August 1, 2026, marking a new chapter in classroom management practices across the state.

This legislative effort aims to reduce distractions in educational environments, which advocates claim will lead to enhanced academic, social, and emotional performance among students. Senator Murray stated that there is an increasing consensus around the notion that students generally perform better in an environment free from electronic distractions. Currently, 15 states have implemented similar laws or policies to restrict cellphone use in classrooms.

Notably, individual districts within Rhode Island have already made attempts to limit the use of personal electronic devices in schools, with various policies already in place. Support for the new legislation has been expressed by officials from the Newport and Middletown school districts, who recognize the importance of a state-wide approach to the device policy. Newport School Committee Chair, James Dring, underscored the necessity for a uniform policy to maintain consistency across various educational institutions.

While the proposed legislation garners support from school administrators, there has also been notable student opposition to the ban. Some members within the school committee have acknowledged these objections, indicating a need for dialogue as the bill moves forward. Both Newport and Middletown school administrations have indicated they would back a ban, provided that they are given adequate time and flexibility to implement it effectively.

The move towards a statewide ban is a response to previous mixed results experienced by various districts, seeking a unified framework for managing personal electronic devices among students. Local school committees, in collaboration with superintendents and teacher unions, will be pivotal in designing and enforcing the details of the new policy as it unfolds.

In conclusion, Rhode Island’s Senate has initiated a significant shift in educational policy aimed at reducing distractions created by personal electronic devices, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more focused learning environment that prioritizes the educational experience while also protecting student privacy and safety.