From: Vermont Coalition for Phone- and Social Media-Free Schools
To the Vermont General Assembly and Governor Phil Scott,
We, the undersigned parents, teachers, students, grandparents and community members, support legislation to ensure every student in Vermont accesses the benefits of a personal electronic device and social media-free school environment, prioritizing student learning, focus, social development, and emotional well-being.
Personal devices such as cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, and gaming devices distract from learning and interrupt opportunities for students to engage in healthy interaction with one another.
Social media platforms are also a source of distraction and increase cyberbullying. In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General stated that social media platforms have not been determined to be sufficiently safe for children and adolescents. In June 2024, the Surgeon General called on Congress to require warning labels for social media products. Schools and students are best served by utilizing communication tools other than social media.
For the reasons stated above, we support the following:
Personal electronic device-free school days, from first bell to last bell, where devices are turned off, securely locked away, and inaccessible to students during school hours and while under the supervision of an employee of the school district for a school-related program. Examples of storage devices include phone-specific lockers, pencil pouches or manila envelopes stored in a secure location, and lockable pouches that students cannot unlock.
Exceptions for children with documented medical needs or special education plans that require personal device use.
A prohibition on integrating social media platforms into education, including school-to-student communications and the use of social media in any capacity for school-based activities or programs (e.g. athletic teams, after-school activities, career and technical education).
The undersigned
