On May 28th, 2025, in the state of Nevada, Governor Joe Lombardo signed a new bill (SB444) restricting the use of cellphones in classrooms in order to prevent distractions in the learning environment. The law will require all state school districts to implement a policy that limits electronic devices during instructional time and will take effect in July 2026.
Every year, after summer vacation, rules and disciplinary action are discussed in the classroom to maintain a safe and respectful environment. Electronic devices during instructional time have become a rising problem in all levels of education, from elementary through high school. Most are aware of the cell phone policy, nonetheless, several students refuse to abide by said policy. Despite these rules being in place, a cellphone ban being signed into law came as a surprise to most.
“My anatomy teacher brought up the ban, and I was taken aback,” said junior Aiyana Scott. Much like other students, Scott wasn’t alone in her reaction.
Students of Shadow Ridge have expressed their opinions and experiences with the recent phone restriction to see if it has made a change.
Scott said, “Personally, I feel like the new rule will allow students to have a better ability to focus in class. From a student’s point of view, I think the ban is unnecessary because I feel like most kids have the common sense to stay off their phones, and I think the way they are cracking down on this ban is a bit excessive.”
It’s well known that mobile devices cause distractions in the classroom and could limit a student’s learning potential. However, it is possible that even with a phone ban, students will still be distracted.
“I think it has gotten worse because I see a lot more kids sneaking to use their phones compared to last year. I believe that the ban causes them to use their phone even more,” said Scott.
Typically, when something is outlawed or forbidden, it makes individuals want to indulge in the prohibited activity even more. She’s not the only one who feels that way, Scott’s reaction is something others have experienced as well.
“Students are still on their phones, no one listens to the new policy,” said senior Ali Cleveland.
Emergencies can happen anywhere, and in a crisis communication can be crucial. While a good amount of people are concerned with the safety aspect of the prohibition, others find that the ban isn’t harmful to students’ safety and might even be useful to improve performance in school.
“It can help students be more interactive with each other in the classroom and participate more in class,” said Scott.
It is only the beginning of this new cellphone ban, and the administration of Shadow Ridge is still figuring out ways to implement it in a way that encourages students to be attentive in class while also keeping them safe.
