Focus on Learning Act

Summary#

This bill directs the Surgeon General to study how students use mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools and how that use relates to learning, classroom instruction, student behavior, and mental health. The Surgeon General must finish the study within 2 years of the law and send a report to Congress. The bill also creates a pilot program run by the Department of Education to award grants to local school districts so participating schools can buy secure containers and install lockers to keep students' personal mobile devices during school hours.

What it means for you#

• Schools: Local education agencies can apply for grants to make participating schools "school environments free of mobile devices" by storing student devices in secure containers controlled by school administrators.
• Students: Personal mobile phones and similar devices would be kept in secure containers during school hours at participating schools. School-issued devices are not included.
• Parents: Districts must notify parents at least 30 days before applying and again if they receive a grant, and they must solicit parent feedback before applying. Schools must keep a way for students to contact parents and allow staff to communicate with emergency responders.
• Special cases: Participating schools can allow device use during school hours for health monitoring or treatment, for children with disabilities, and for English learners who need translation.

Expenses#

The bill authorizes $5,000,000 to carry out the pilot for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. Up to 2 percent of amounts made available for the pilot may be used by the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services for administrative expenses, data collection, and to carry out the Surgeon General's study.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.