This bill directs the Surgeon General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to conduct a comprehensive study within two years on the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools. This study will assess the impact of mobile devices on student learning, academic achievement, mental health, classroom instruction, and school climate, with findings reported to Congress and made public. Concurrently, the bill establishes a pilot program, administered by the Secretary of Education, to award grants to local educational agencies. These grants will enable participating schools to create a school environment free of mobile devices by funding secure containers and lockers for student devices during school hours, with applications requiring assurances for stakeholder engagement and communication systems. The program allows exemptions for health conditions, children with disabilities, and English learners for translation purposes. Local educational agencies must notify parents and solicit their feedback before applying for and receiving grants. A total of $5,000,000 is authorized for appropriations for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to support this program.
Academic performance and assessmentsCongressional oversightEducational facilities and institutionsElementary and secondary educationGovernment studies and investigationsSchool administrationTelephone and wireless communication
Focus on Learning Act
USA119th CongressS-404| Senate
| Updated: 2/5/2025
This bill directs the Surgeon General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to conduct a comprehensive study within two years on the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools. This study will assess the impact of mobile devices on student learning, academic achievement, mental health, classroom instruction, and school climate, with findings reported to Congress and made public. Concurrently, the bill establishes a pilot program, administered by the Secretary of Education, to award grants to local educational agencies. These grants will enable participating schools to create a school environment free of mobile devices by funding secure containers and lockers for student devices during school hours, with applications requiring assurances for stakeholder engagement and communication systems. The program allows exemptions for health conditions, children with disabilities, and English learners for translation purposes. Local educational agencies must notify parents and solicit their feedback before applying for and receiving grants. A total of $5,000,000 is authorized for appropriations for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to support this program.
Academic performance and assessmentsCongressional oversightEducational facilities and institutionsElementary and secondary educationGovernment studies and investigationsSchool administrationTelephone and wireless communication