A bill aiming to remove cell phones from the state’s public school classrooms failed in the South Dakota legislature on Monday.
The bill would restrict students from using their cellphones during the school day to improve mental health and eliminate distractions. Special cases such as health or educational reasons are excluded from the bill.
Opponents and supporters of the bill agree the issues are connected to cellphone use by students. Both sides agree progress is being made regarding the excessive cellphone use problem.
Nevertheless, questions such as how to address the issue, who is responsible for enforcing the policy, and exemptions for older students remain.
There was an amendment to the bill that would allow the state to establish charter schools.
The bill died on an eight to seven vote.
