Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa, says banning cellphones in Iowa K-12 schools is a top priority heading into the 2025 legislative session.
Reynolds said she did not have a finalized proposal on restricting cellphones in schools, but plans to work with schools and school districts that have already implemented similar policies to develop a statewide measure.
Mason Mauro, Deputy Communications Director in the Office of the Governor of Iowa, shared a quote about the potential cellphone ban legislation.
“Governor Reynolds believes Iowa students deserve the opportunity to learn free from the distraction of personal electronic devices,” said Mauro. “Iowa kids should have the freedom to focus and be fully engaged in their education.”
While Mauro was not able to provide specifics on the legislation, legislation was outlined at the Condition of the State on Jan. 13, 2025. In this meeting, Governor Reynolds highlights accomplishments from 2024 and outlines her priorities for 2025. The new law would require each school district to implement an academic or instructional time restriction of digital devices—including cellphones—in the classroom. Cellphone use would still be allowable before and after school, along with during lunchtime and passing periods. However, schools may build on the Governor’s cellphone policy to be more restrictive if they choose.
“I think it’s stupid.” said sophomore Drew Newberg. “Why do they need to ban phones when we could just have stricter rules? an outright ban is silly.”
Sophomore Braxton Mendoza thinks more control over when and where phones can be used in school would be helpful, but thinks some students may not be happy with the decision.
“I think most students will be frustrated,” Mendoza said. “Phones are a big part of our lives, you know, whether keeping in touch with friends or taking mental breaks throughout the day.
Mendoza says that the ban could affect the relationships between students and teachers.
¨If, or when it goes through, I think there’ll be more tension between students and teachers,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza also thinks that students may not follow the ban if it is implemented at Norwalk High School.
“Some students might follow the rules, but a lot of students might find ways around it, and I think it’ll just make things more complicated,” Mendoza said.
