Connecticut House Passes Statewide Cell Phone Ban in Schools

0:00Connecticut's House of Representatives just crushed a vote on a statewide cell phone ban in schools, going 117 to 31 for A, Bell to Bell policy. That means no phones on school grounds during the school day except for special education needs. Lawmakers say it standardizes rules across districts to cut distractions. For years, teachers have flagged phones pulling kids away from class and some spots like New Haven already lock them in yonder pouches. Parents love it. Classrooms buzz more and cafeterias got that loud energy back with kids actually talking. Debate ran over three and a half hours with Dems mostly on board, but some Republicans pushing back on state overreach. They tried amending to ban teacher phones too, but if failed big, safety calls like 911 need them. Still, both sides agree, phones ain't helping kids learn. The bill leaves buses phone free from local calls and after school up to districts, plus they set punishments.

1:00Positive pilots show more engagement, less staring at screens, echoing what Governor Lamont published last year with his China and Beyoncé pouch. Shout out. Now it hits to the Senate before session ends. May 6th, potentially making Connecticut the 29th state locking down devices for real focus in the classroom. That's your update from Hartford News today, powered by AI.