A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill that would require all school districts in the state to adopt a policy on cell phone use in classrooms.

The bill’s sponsors say cell phones provide an unnecessary distraction to students and can negatively impact test scores, lesson retention, and students’ mental health. Over 95% of teens in the United States own cell phones, and 65% of Generation Z students said they have suffered from mental health problems in the past two years, said sponsor Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs.

“It is clear this matter can no longer be ignored,” she said. “Our children cannot afford to wait until we know for certain the impact daily cellphone use in the classroom has on their psychological health. We have a duty to take immediate action to ensure the situation is addressed appropriately. Therefore, it is critical that we see this legislation go into effect.”

Lauren Henry, a child psychologist with Children’s Hospital Colorado, said the average teen spends four to five hours a day on social media, doubling their risk of anxiety and depression. She called the bill a common sense and balanced approach, as the local control aspect allows districts to fully engage with their communities to find a policy that best fits their needs.

Nineteen states have some form of cellphone policy legislation in place, and eight of them—California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia—prohibit them entirely in schools.

This bill would not impose a statewide ban; it would just require all school boards in the state to enact a cellphone usage policy. There would also be exceptions for students who need access to their phones throughout the day, such as those with medical conditions.

As a middle school teacher, sponsor Sen. Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, said she has acted as the “phone police” too many times to count. While her district has a cellphone policy in place, two-thirds of the largest districts in the state do not, making it hard for teachers to enforce their classroom rules fully.

“As a teacher, I can tell you it’s extremely difficult to limit cellphone usage in the classroom if there’s no clear policy,” she said. “Schools across the state are struggling with a lack of direction and support in creating consistent cellphone policies.”

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joined 41 other state attorneys general in suing Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, in 2023, alleging the social media platform knowingly used features that purposefully addict children and teens.

“Stated simply, the kids are not alright,” Weiser said. “Every metric you could look at underscores what the Surgeon General has called a youth mental health crisis.”

Weiser pointed to Grand Junction’s District 51 as an example of how restricting cellphone usage can positively impact schools.

The district’s “more social, less media” campaign, introduced last year, was a collaborative effort between students, teachers, parents, and district staff. It prohibits cellphone usage for all K-8 students. High school students are allowed to use their phones in the hallways between classes but not while class is in session.

Weiser announced that seven districts will receive grants to help test and implement cellphone policies. The recipients of an additional $20 million grant supporting school-community partnerships will be announced this summer.

“I continue to hear from school leaders, teachers, parents, and students about the impact of smartphones on student learning and mental health,” Weiser said. “These grants will help schools implement creative solutions to reduce distractions, foster better learning environments, and support student well-being. By working together, we can ensure that schools have the tools they need to protect students.”

The bill is also by Rep. Megan Lukens, D-Glenwood Springs, and Sen. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock.