The UNPLUGGED Act of 2025 would require State educational agencies (SEAs) to adopt and enforce policies that prohibit students in public K-12 classrooms from possessing or using personal electronic devices, including mobile phones, during school hours. The act sets a nationwide minimum standard while allowing states to implement stricter rules. It also authorizes federal grants to help SEAs purchase and maintain secure storage options (like lockable lockers, secure boxes, and signal-blocking pouches) and to provide related training and infrastructure. Exceptions are provided for medical needs, disabilities (including IEP and 504 plan considerations), English learners, and occasions where a device is needed to facilitate instruction, with documentation requirements as specified. The bill also includes a sense-of-Congress provision encouraging state and local authorities to coordinate with educators, parents, and students on communications about forgotten items and time-sensitive issues. While proponents argue the policy could improve attention, performance, and student well-being, critics may raise concerns about privacy, emergencies, and implementation costs.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition of personal devices in classrooms: By the first school year after enactment, SEAs must establish and enforce a policy prohibiting student possession or use of personal electronic devices (including mobile phones) during school hours in public schools.
- 2Secure storage requirements: Policies may require secure storage methods (e.g., lockable lockers, secure lock boxes, magnetic signal-blocking pouches) to prevent access during school hours.
- 3Exceptions and accommodations: Exceptions are allowed for medical/health needs (with medical certification), students with disabilities (IEP or Section 504 accommodations), English learners, and other instructional needs, with documentation and procedures specified by the SEA.
- 4Funding and implementation support: The Secretary of Education must create a grant program to fund purchase/maintenance of secure storage and related training/infrastructure to support implementation of the policy.
- 5State flexibility and minimum standard: The act sets a national minimum standard but does not preclude states or local districts from imposing stricter rules; it also encourages coordination with parents and students regarding school communications about forgotten items and time-sensitive issues.