Bill incentivizing New Mexico schools to lock up student cell phones moves forward

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Some lawmakers say it’s time to get New Mexico school kids to lock up their cell phones during class. Now, a bill to help school districts do that is already winning approval in the Roundhouse. The bill is being called the “Anti-Distraction Policy” and it would make millions of dollars available for schools to start up programs to lock and store cell phones during teaching hours. 

“Our students are spending well over five hours a day on social media apps and we have to come in and really break that cell phone addiction,” said Senator Crystal Brantley, (R-Elephant Butte). 

Sen. Brantley said educators have told her cell phones are now among the biggest distractions in New Mexico schools. She’s sponsoring Senate Bill 11, which would define an “Anti-Distraction Policy.” The bill would force PED to encourage schools to make policies locking up cell phones, while also offering 10 million to pay for equipment to do it.  

“What the policy looks like is completely up to individual districts. As we know a school district in Quemado may need to adopt a different policy than the Albuquerque school district,” said Sen. Brantley. 

In a first committee debate Wednesday night, some think it would help improve student proficiency.  

“This bill will help teachers perform one of their main duties which is to help students focus academically and socially,” said J.D. Bullington, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. 

“This isn’t about limiting access to technology it’s about ensuring technology supports rather than hinders the learning environment,” said Whitney Holland, President of American Federation of Teachers New Mexico. 

However, some are worried about what happens to the funding. 

“What is the maximum a school can spend, it doesn’t say, it says they’ll get reimbursed. That’s a pretty open checkbook it sounds like,” said Senator William P. Soules (D- oña Ana County). 

Brantley sees this ultimately as a bipartisan issue. “This is something that is bringing together major teachers that have asked for this. 97-percent of teachers say this is their number one distractor is cell phones. We’re meeting the needs of the teachers and the needs of students,” said Sen. Brantley. 

Some parents have also raised concerns about cell phones being locked up during emergencies. However, Senator Brantley said there are some options for products on the market that allow for easy, emergency access. The bill passed a first committee last night and now heads to the senate finance committee.