A proposed Tennessee bill that would require school districts to ban student cell phone use during instructional time is sparking debate among lawmakers, educators, and parents.
House Bill 0932/Senate Bill 0897 mandates that school districts adopt policies prohibiting students from using wireless communication devices in class, except in specific circumstances. The measure aims to minimize distractions and improve the learning environment.
Republican Representative William Lamberth (District 44) supports the bill, emphasizing that it reinforces local control rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all state policy.
“There was some concern I guess before that a school didn’t have the ability to be able to do that, so it makes it clear in state law,” Lamberth explained.
Hamblen County Schools Superintendent Arnie Bunch Jr. backs the legislation, noting that his district already enforces a strict cell phone ban. He claims the policy has improved both safety and student engagement.
“Personal communication devices were undermining safety and negatively impacting the learning environment in Hamblen County Schools,” Bunch said. “The hallways and cafeterias in our high schools are much louder, and that’s a good thing.”
Democratic Representative Sam McKenzie (District 15), who voted in favor of the bill, also acknowledges that cell phones can be a major distraction in classrooms.
Despite bipartisan support, some parents and lawmakers worry that restricting phone access could pose a safety risk, particularly in emergencies. McKenzie expressed concern about students being unable to call 911 or contact their parents during dangerous situations.
“If they can’t get to those phones because there is an active shooter in the building—and the fact that we have to talk about that is a shame—I would really want our students to be able to contact their parents,” McKenzie said.
TC Weber, a parent of two high school students in the Nashville area, opposes a statewide mandate, arguing that decisions about phone use should be left to individual teachers and schools rather than dictated by the legislature.
“I don’t think there’s a need for the General Assembly to get involved,” Weber said. “It’s a little overarching, a little control of government.”
The bill is set to be reviewed by the Calendar and Rules Committee, though a hearing date has not yet been scheduled. If passed, it could bring significant changes to how Tennessee schools manage student cell phone use in classrooms.
