An Iowa legislator describes his satisfaction with a bill that will eliminate electronic devices throughout public schools.

House File 782 was recently passed by the Iowa House to limit access of electronic devices in public schools during instructional hours. House District 28 Representative David Young notes that when he was in school, cellphones weren’t as prominent to be distracted with. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that after speaking with students and parents, they confirm that phones can cause disruptions for the learning environment. Young agrees that teachers should limit phone use in the classroom, but understands there are a few exceptions.

“(If) there’s a medical reason why a student may need access to their phone, that’s one thing, maybe checking their glucose level if they have diabetes or something, or making sure that there’s a way for parents to also communicate with their kids sometime during the day.”

Young reveals that several school districts around the country have implemented this rule and says research shows that by eliminating cellphone use it has been proven to increase tension of memory, decreased bullying, as well as improved grades and lowering suspensions. The bill is now making its way to Governor Kim Reynolds for her to sign it into law.