Statewide Legislation
H.54 / S.21
The Phone and Social Media-Free Schools Bill
(H.54 in the VT House and S.21 in the VT Senate)
will help ALL Vermont students experience stronger
academic focus, increased social cohesion, and improved mental health.
Based on best practice
The text of the bill is inspired directly from the model set out by Jonathan Haidt, author of the 2024 best-selling book, The Anxious Generation.
The bill requires schools to create a phone-free school day, that prohibits students from using their cell phone or other personal devices (Smartwatches, AirPods, etc.) for the duration of the school day.
A second provision says schools must find other avenues to communicate with students than social media. Email and other apps work well for clubs and sports teams to coordinate.
Bipartisan support!
This bill bridges the political divide. Lead sponsors Rep. Aresenault (D) and Sen. Williams (R) model how we can all unite for what is best for our kids.
The 59 total co-sponsors draw pretty equally from both sides of the aisle.
