Bill > HB623

This bill requires the Hawaii Board of Education to establish a comprehensive policy banning cell phones and related electronic devices (such as smart watches, earbuds, AirPods, and Bluetooth headphones) for students during school hours, to be implemented beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The legislation is motivated by research showing that cellphone use in classrooms negatively impacts student achievement, focus, and engagement, and can interfere with in-person socialization. The bill notes that at least nineteen states have already implemented similar restrictions, and initial efforts in Hawaii have shown positive results, with teachers reporting fewer classroom distractions and increased student interactions. The policy can be implemented in phases for different school levels, providing flexibility for schools to adapt to the new requirements. The bill aims to create a "bell-to-bell" policy that eliminates electronic device distractions throughout the school day, with the ultimate goal of improving students' academic performance and social development.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=623&year=2026