Within the state of Utah, the topic of cellphones and social media use among the youth of the state is a hotly contested topic. The state legislature has passed laws signed by Gov. Spencer Cox aimed at combating cellphone use, including a bill requiring verification of age to fully access social media sites which is currently being fought in court. On Monday, Aug. 26, a new piece of legislation was introduced for 2025 which aims to make schools in Utah a “cell phone-free zone.”

The bill, which was introduced by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore and Rep. Douglas Watson, aims to create a statewide policy regarding cellphones in schools which would come into effect if districts opt not to make a cellphone policy themselves.

In the Emery School District, the policy manual section regarding electronic device usage by students or visitors reads,” A student or visitor may possess an electronic communication device in school, on school property, at after-school activities, and at school-related functions, provided that during class time, the electronic communication device remains off. The device must also be concealed unless the device is being used as part of an instructional lesson as directed by a teacher.”

In the Carbon School District, much of the language is used in the handbook regarding electronic devices, albeit with a harsher punishment,” Cellular phones and other devices must not be used during instructional time, unless otherwise directed by the teacher or administrator. A fine of $25.00 for the first offense will be imposed. All subsequent confiscations will be subject to a $50.00 fine.”

One such method of creating a cell phone-free environment has been implemented by the Granite School District in the form of Yondr Pouches, which are magnetically sealed pouches that restrict students from using their smart devices on school grounds and having to be unlocked through an “unlocking base” which unseals the pouch as the student leaves.

Sen Fillmore, who previously worked in education, spoke on the policy stating,” Currently, state law is silent on the issue of cellphones. Every school or school district adopts its own policy. This would change it so that the default position, instead of universal allowance for cellphones in schools, it would be a universal prohibition on cellphones in schools unless a school district adopted a specific policy to allow them because they find that it’s good for some aspect of the educational process.”

Castle Country Radio spoke to Rep. Christine Watkins to learn more regarding the legislation,” I would not have supported it if not for the local control.” She continued,” If the district does nothing then the cellphones would be banned, but it allows school districts to implement their own policies”

Castle Country Radio also spoke to Sen. Nate Blouin regarding the legislation,”There’s no question that Utah schools have a tough challenge dealing with phones in schools. I’ve heard it from teachers and students alike: phones are a distraction and we need tools and authority to manage the classroom better. Many districts or individual schools have already adopted policies they feel are working, and I support efforts to let the experts deal with this at the local level.” He continued,” We don’t need another cumbersome state policy directive that our schools must implement, we just need to give them flexibility to figure out what works for their community.”

This bill was introduced early according to Sen. Fillmore, because it would give time to parents and districts to get together and discuss what policy would be best for the students.