Bill > H0054

This bill aims to address youth mental health and school environment concerns by implementing comprehensive restrictions on cell phone and personal electronic device use in Vermont schools. The legislation requires all public schools, independent schools, career and technical education centers, and private prekindergarten programs to develop and enforce policies prohibiting student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices throughout the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal. The bill provides limited exceptions for medical necessities and individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan accommodations. Additionally, schools are prohibited from using social media to communicate with students and from requiring or permitting students to use social media for any school-related activities. The bill's findings highlight alarming mental health statistics among Vermont youth, including that 63% of high school students reported their mental health as "not good" and 80% of high school students use social media several times a day. The legislation is supported by data suggesting that phone-free policies can reduce incidents of harassment and bullying, with one supervisory union experiencing a significant decrease in such claims after implementing a similar policy. The bill is set to take effect in stages, with findings and initial provisions beginning July 1, 2025, and the full device restrictions starting December 1, 2025.

Education

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.54