Russellville, Ark. – The Arkansas Senate recently passed the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, a law designed to ban the use of smartphones and smartwatches in schools during school hours. Aimed at fostering a more engaged learning environment and addressing concerns about mental health, the act has already been adopted by several schools in the state over the past year.
Governor Sarah Sanders has been a strong advocate for the law, arguing that unrestricted access to smartphones contributes to rising mental health issues among students. In a press release, she emphasized that the removal of constant digital distractions would allow students to focus more on their studies, improving their academic experience.
While the intent of the act may be to reduce distractions and support student well-being, it has faced significant pushback from some parents in Russellville, particularly those worried about their children’s safety and access to emergency communication.
In October 2024, the Russellville School Board enacted a phone-free campus policy that aligns with the state law. Under this policy, students are required to lock their phones in pouches before the school day begins, and phones are not allowed to be accessed during class hours. While the policy is already in effect in Russellville, the broader implementation of the state law is intensifying concerns.
Dillon Barnhouse, a local parent with a fifth grader in the district, voiced his disapproval of the new policy. “Me and my wife immediately discussed that it is not something we would be open to,” Barnhouse explained. “If we deemed it necessary for our kid to have a cell phone to get in touch with us or for us to get in touch with them, the school and the government has no business interfering with that.”
Andrea Casey, a parent of two children in the district, echoed similar concerns, particularly for her high school-aged child. “I hate the cell phone policy,” Casey said. “With the society that we live in, I believe, especially my high schooler should be able to have access to their phone to get a hold of me in the case of an emergency.”
While supporters of the act argue that limiting phone use can create a safer, more focused school environment, critics argue that it compromises parents’ ability to ensure their children’s safety in urgent situations. The ongoing debate in Russellville highlights a broader issue facing schools across Arkansas as they weigh the benefits of a distraction-free classroom against the potential risks of limiting access to technology in an increasingly digital world.