The Mission UNPLUGGED Act would require the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) Director to create a policy banning students from using cell phones and other designated distracting personal electronic devices during regular school hours. Schools could choose how to enforce the policy within limits set by the Director. The policy must allow parents and students to contact each other during the school day in an emergency and include exceptions for emergencies, health needs, documented disability-related needs, English learning, and other circumstances the Director approves. Students could also use devices on school grounds outside regular school hours. The policy must be established within 180 days of enactment and apply to school years that begin after it is established.
The Director could provide schools with implementation support, including lockboxes for devices. The bill authorizes $1,207,500 for this support for fiscal year 2026. The Director would report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on implementation, costs, and effects on student performance, mental health, teacher and student retention, and other outcomes. Reports would be due annually for five years, beginning one year after the policy takes effect.
Students at DODEA schools would generally be unable to use covered devices during regular school hours. Exceptions would apply in the situations described in the bill, including emergencies, certain medical or disability-related needs, and support for English learning. School administrators would have some choice in how they enforce the policy. The bill does not specify how each school would enforce it.
The bill authorizes $1,207,500 for fiscal year 2026 to support implementation. It does not state how much implementation will cost. Later reports must describe implementation costs.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.