Russellville, Ark. – The Arkansas Senate recently passed the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, a law designed to ban the use of smartphones and smartwatches in schools during school hours. Aimed at fostering a more engaged learning environment and addressing concerns about mental health, the act has already been adopted by several schools in the state over the past year.
Governor Sarah Sanders has been a strong advocate for the law, arguing that unrestricted access to smartphones contributes to rising mental health issues among students. In a press release, she emphasized that the removal of constant digital distractions would allow students to focus more on their studies, improving their academic experience.
While the intent of the act may be to reduce distractions and support student well-being, it has faced significant pushback from some parents in Russellville, particularly those worried about their children’s safety and access to emergency communication…