The Senate Education Committee passed a bill restricting student cell phone use without a recommendation Tuesday (Feb. 10) after tense debate over local control and student well-being. Senate Bill 198, introduced by Sen. Chris Karr of Sioux Falls, would prohibit students from using cell phones durin g the school day except for medical accommodations or emergencies. School boards would set disciplinary policies for violations. Supporters say cell phones harm academic performance and mental health, while opponents argue districts are already solving the problem without state mandates. Karr cited statistics about declining academic performance, rising mental health problems, and behavioral issues linked to smartphone use. He said 12th grade reading proficiency dropped to 35 percent and math proficiency to 22 percent in 2024. The bill has exceptions for approved medical or educational accommodations and emergencies affecting health or safety. It requires school boards to adopt disciplinary policies, but leaves implementation details to local districts. Karr said 26 states have enacted similar bell-to-bell policies, and research shows significant improvements. He cited a 35 percent reduction in suspensions and a 50 percent reduction in office referrals in schools with phone bans. Robert Peterson of the Foundation for Government Accountability supported the bill, saying early results from other states show “incredible gains in achievement” and a decrease in disciplinary issues. He said the biggest gains come from low-performing students. State Secretary of Education Joe Graves agreed that phones create major problems, but opposed the bill on local control grounds. He said schools across South Dakota are already moving toward greater phone restrictions. Dianna Miller, lobbyist for the Large School Group, said a December 2025 survey found 95.58 percent of South Dakota districts already have cell phone policies in place. Heath Larson, executive director of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota, and Mitch Richter from the South Dakota Unified School Association also opposed the bill, citing local control. Richter said many districts are in their third year of implementing policies that use pouches, sleeves, or baskets. The committee debate revealed sharp divisions. Sen. Curt Voight of Rapid City, argued classroom-only restrictions miss the larger problem of campus-wide cell phone use in bathrooms, hallways, and parking lots. Sen. Lauren Nelson from Yankton countered that flexibility allows schools to tailor policies. He said one superintendent in his district implemented a total ban, while another allowed juniors and seniors to keep phones to prepare them for college. Sen. Sue Peterson of Sioux Falls expressed conflict, acknowledging the benefits of reducing distractions while wanting parents to maintain some access to students during emergencies. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Story courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association. ...read more read less