Contributed Article/Courtesy AZ House of Representatives
PHOENIX – Arizona schools will soon have stronger policies in place to keep students focused on learning and off their phones during the school day, thanks to new legislation signed into law on Monday. HB2484, passed with strong bipartisan support, requires public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies limiting student access to social media and wireless devices, while preserving reasonable access for emergencies, medical needs, and educational use.
Republican State Representative Beverly Pingerelli, the bill’s sponsor, applauded the new law as necessary to restore classroom discipline and academic focus.
“Education requires attention, and attention is exactly what today’s students are being robbed of by addictive devices and endless scrolling,” said Representative Pingerelli. “We’ve drawn a clear line: Arizona classrooms are for learning, not TikTok. Teachers can finally reclaim their classrooms, and parents can feel confident their kids are actually focused on school, not their screens.”
Under HB2484, schools must enforce common-sense policies governing student access to the internet, restrict access to social media platforms, and limit cellphone use during the school day. Exceptions are provided for emergencies, medical conditions, and teacher-directed academic use.
The legislation aligns with the House Republican Majority Plan to improve education outcomes, strengthen student focus, and put parents back in the driver’s seat.
“Teachers shouldn’t have to compete with YouTube and Instagram to be heard,” Representative Pingerelli added. “HB2484 refocuses kids on learning, empowering parents, and backing up teachers.”
Beverly Pingerelli is a Republican Arizona House of Representatives member serving Legislative District 28 in Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, and Phoenix. Follow her on X at @BevPingerelli.
