Away For The Day | Latest News - Teachers push for statewide cell phone ban in classrooms

Taylor Knight, Kimberlyn Bouley and Susan Raff, Eyewitness News 3

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Connecticut’s Education Committee heard public testimony Friday on legislation that would ban cell phones in public schools from the time students arrive until they leave.

The public hearing was held at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Parents and community members were able to sign up to speak or submit written testimony about the proposed legislation.

Currently, school districts set their own cell phone policies. Of Connecticut’s 202 school districts, 199 have restrictions in place, but few have an all-out ban.

Teacher unions and advocates officially called for a statewide phone-free mandate earlier this month, saying it is designed to protect student mental health, restore classroom focus and foster genuine social connection during the school day.

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