The increased use of mobile devices in educational settings has raised questions about whether they harm Utah students’ learning experiences.1 More specifically, during the 2026 General Session, the Utah State Legislature discussed whether mobile devices are appropriate in school settings. Senate Bill 69, School Device Revisions, passed with bipartisan support, aims to increase productivity and reduce distractions by implementing a “bell-to-bell” ban on mobile devices.2
This technology revision is implemented as Utah’s mobile device usage gradually increases. In 2011, a mere 34% of Utahns aged 15 or older reported using smartphones, compared with 87% in 2023.3 Additionally, in 2015, 24% of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 reported being online “almost constantly,” jumping to 46% by 2024.4 That percentage has held steady since 2022.
To address concerns with local authority or access to mobile devices amid emergency settings, the bill’s sponsors have made clear that their focus is to promote immersive educational experiences, making exceptions and allowing cellphone usage for “imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual” or to “respond to a school-wide emergency.”5 Other than during emergencies, cellphones will be prohibited during school and classroom hours beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Given that kids are known to break rules during school, perhaps the largest hurdle is implementation and enforcement.
This Significant Statistic was written by Utah Foundation Research Intern Jaz Landeros
[1]Voices for Utah Children, 2026 Legislative Updates, 2026, Voices for Utah Children – 2026 Legislative Updates: K-12 Education and Child Care
[2] Utah State Legislature, S.B. School Device Revisions, 2026, SB0069
[3]National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA Data Explorer, 2023, NTIA Data Explorer | National Telecommunications and Information Administration
[4]Pew Research Center, Teens and Internet, Device Access Fact Sheet, 2025, Internet, digital device access among US teens, by demographic traits | Pew Research Center.
[5] Utah State Legislature, S.B. 69 School Device Revisions, 2026, SB0069.
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