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LB140 - Require school policies relating to use of electronic communication devices by students

The Stated Intent: As of this writing, the stated intent has not yet been posted.

So what is LB140 all about?

LB390 would require each school board to adopt a policy that establishes rules and standards concerning use of electronic communication devices by students while on school property or attending a school function. The policy must contain

• Shall, except as provided in subdivision (b) of this subsection, prohibit the use of an electronic communication device by students while on school property or attending a school function; and
• May include student discipline and enforcement mechanisms that limit access to cell phones by students only if the school board adopts such policy as part of the rules and standards adopted in accordance with the requirements of section 79-262.

There are some exceptions - subdivision(b)

• When required by a student's individualized education program developed under the Special Education Act and any rules and regulations adopted or promulgated pursuant to the act or a plan developed under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794;
• When authorized by a teacher for educational purposes during instructional time;
• In the case of an emergency or perceived threat of danger;
• When necessary to monitor or manage a student's health care; or
• When determined appropriate by the school board or otherwise allowed by an appropriate school employee.

Teachers verses the cell phone

In the battle for a child's attention, teacher verses cell phone, the cell phone wins almost 100% of the time. This is surprisingly true, even if the phone is turned off and lying face down. This was discovered in a 2017 study and reported on in the article "Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity"

The short video by Edutopia titled "There's a Cell Phone in Your Student's Head" also explains this phenomena. Physical separation was the best way and truly only way to rid the student's mind of the cell phone

It's no wonder many educators applaud the idea of prohibiting electronic devices. According to JAMA research, 90% of school principals support restrictions on cell phone use and 80% say cell phones at school negatively affect academics & social development.

A step ahead

Not surprising, there are Nebraska school districts and schools that have started banning or a least limiting cell phone use by students while at school. Lincoln Public Schools started banning cell phone during the 2024/2025 school year after a pilot conducted in the 2023/2024 school year, this reported in "LPS announces new student cellphone policy". LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman was quoted:

“After a pilot cell phone policy was in place at two high schools last year, administrators and staff saw a significant positive change in the learning environment,” Gausman said. “Other Nebraska school districts have also implemented a digital hall pass system at the high school level and seen positive results.”

Then there are the numerous schools across the country that are years ahead in managing cell phones. All report positive affects of student focus, behavior, and personal interactions. You can check this out in "This School Locks Up Student's Phones".

Some bonus material

The negative effects of cell phone use on children is well documented and universally shared among kids across the world, as reported in this Minuteman and Minuteman Alert - LB504 - Adopt the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act. However, cell phones can be detrimental to adults as well. You can check out the videos below if you want to learn more. The first is a Wall Street Journal video on how phones disrupt our focus and the other is an AsapSCIENCE video on how we are being changed by our phones.

Take a cell phone vacation, teach your kids how

Mark 6:31

And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Let YOUR senator(s) know:

• The constant alarming and chirping of cell phones has taken over a portion of our brain. Now, even when the phone is quiet, we worry about having missed something. This creates an impossible learning environment for children.

• Educators support banning or limiting cell phone use to certain times and locations.

• Schools that have performed pilot studies or have already implemented bans report many positive outcomes. Those outcomes include more student focus, less disruptive behaviors, and more student to student interactions.

Your voice is powerful, make it heard on LB140. The committee hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025. NFFV recommends you "Support" this bill.

How to be heard? Here are three ways:

• Most Effective: Testify in person. Going to the Committee hearing and sharing YOUR story with committee member Senators is very impactful. For first time in person testifier here are some helpful hints. 
• Effective: Submit written testimony. If you can't be there in person then submit written testimony. Not sure how to do that, click here. Note: The deadline to submit and verify a comment for the hearing record for LB140 is Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM Central Time.
• Least Effective: Email your position letter to the Committee Senators and CC your own Senator. For a listing of the Education Committee Senators click here. Note: emails should be sent by noon, the business day before the committee hearing. It's not likely these emails will be included in official hearing minutes, however, there is a better chance Committee Senators will see your comments. You can request they be added to meeting minutes in your email to Committee Senators.

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