Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signs school cell phone restrictions into law

Madeleine Parrish

‍Arizona Republic

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Arizona has become the latest state to enact a law limiting student cell phone use at school.

Gov. Katie Hobbs on April 14 signed House Bill 2484, which requires school districts and charter schools to "limit the use of wireless communication devices by students during the school day."

The bill carves out exceptions for students to use phones during emergencies, for educational purposes "as directed by the student's teacher" and if needed due to a student's medical condition. The law also directs schools to establish procedures for students and parents to contact each other during the school day.

Schools must also restrict access to social media platforms on school internet, except when used for educational purposes.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, who had been pushing for statewide limits on student cell phone use at school, said Hobbs' signing of the bill was "very good news."

"No teacher should be required to teach a class where the students are scrolling on their phones," Horne said, calling restricting student cell phone use one of his "top priorities."

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