Utah leaders push for ‘bell-to-bell’ limits on student phones in schools
Jan 7, 2026, 6:20 PM | Updated: Jan 8, 2026, 4:53 pm
Avery Gonzales, a recent graduate from Green Canyon High School, talks about a proposed bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools during a press conference at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah leaders say they plan to pursue legislation this year that would make “bell-to-bell” device limits the default policy in public schools, expanding restrictions beyond classroom time to the entire school day.
Gov. Spencer Cox and Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, along with education advocates, announced the effort at the Utah Capitol ahead of the 2026 general session, which begins Jan. 20.
The proposal would build on SB178, passed in 2025, which addressed student use of cellphones, smart watches and other emerging technologies during classroom hours. Fillmore sponsored that bill.
State leaders say districts that adopted broader “phone away” policies have reported fewer disruptions, stronger engagement and a noticeable shift in school culture with more in-person interaction during passing periods and lunch.
Cox said the state’s approach is meant to reduce the burden on teachers and administrators who can end up in the middle of disagreements with parents and students when policies vary by classroom or school.
“We were placing all the burden on teachers,” Cox said. “And now we’ve done the exact opposite.”
Safety is a key concern for many parents whenever phone limits are discussed — especially communication during emergencies. Supporters said the intent is not to cut students off from help, but to reduce routine distraction during the day while allowing for exceptions and school-led communication when needed.
Student voices were also part of Wednesday’s event. High school student Avery Gonzales, who advocated for stricter phone rules at her school, said the impact was clearer after students experienced a school day without constant notifications.
“They didn’t realize how much their phones were pulling them away from their classmates, teachers and even from themselves,” Gonzales said.
Lawmakers and advocates said they expect the conversation to continue during the legislative session, including how any statewide default would preserve local flexibility for districts.
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