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By Mike Allen · Jan 16, 2025

Good afternoon. Today's newsletter, edited by Sam Baker, is 538 words, a 2-min. read. Thanks to Sheryl Miller for copy editing.

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1 big thing: More schools ban cellphones
 
A choropleth map of the U.S. showing which states have some form of school cell phone ban or restriction as of December 13, 2024. Ten states have a policy recommendation or pilot program in place; eight have a ban or restriction; legislation has been introduced in 11.
Data: KFF; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios

A growing number of states are banning cellphones in schools — almost always with bipartisan support, Axios' April Rubin reports.

☑️ Where it stands: Eight states have banned or restricted cellphones in schools.

  • Education departments in another 10 states have issued policy recommendations or begun pilot programs to curb phone usage.
  • And at least 11 states, as of December, were considering legislation to ban or restrict cellphone use in schools, per health nonprofit KFF.