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Regular readers know we like to highlight bipartisan legislation, partly because it’s so rare. It’s even more important, however, when it’s worthwhile. And that’s the case with a measure introduced by U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, both Arkansas Republicans.
The legislation, the Focus on Learning Act, would require the federal Department of Education to study the use of smartphones in elementary and secondary schools and to establish a pilot program that would award grants to let certain schools create an environment free of the phones.
Cotton and Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, introduced the Senate measure in November. Westerman joined fellow Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner of Kansas and Democrats David Trone of Maryland and Jason Crow of Colorado in introducing the bill in the House in July.
Like almost everything created by humans, smartphones can be used either for good or for ill. For children, the good involves staying in touch with parents and learning, while the ill involves distraction and bullying.
The study would examine the impact of smartphones on academic achievement, engagement, mental health, classroom instruction and behavior.
This is worthy legislation that probably should have been considered years ago. We hope it passes.
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