Washington — Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) are just two congressman of Arkansas working to understand the effect of smartphones in classrooms.

Both congressmen introduced legislation that would require the Department of Education to conduct research on the impact of phones in classrooms, specifically on mental health.

“At their very best, cell phones are a simple distraction for students during school hours.,” Rep. Bruce Westerman saint in a statement on his website, which went on to say, “Yet, there’s a gap in data on the real-life effects of cell phone usage in classrooms, creating barriers for schools to create comprehensive policies that protect students.”

When the bill could reach the floor of the House of Representatives is unknown, and could come after the election.

In the Senate, Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton introduced legislation in 2023 — that has yet to be brought to the floor — requesting similar measures. That bill is co-sponcered by former Hillary Clinton running mate, Tim Kaine (D-VA).

Both are titled the “Focus on Learning Act.”

Many other Republicans and democrats have attached themselves to the bills, in the house and Senate, including Trump’s running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Rep. French Hill (R-AR).

If passed, the study by the Dept. of Education would be done no later than two years, and would study student learning and academic achievement, student engagement, mental health, classroom instruction and school climate and student behavior.

The bill also included a so-called pilot program, this would allow school to receive grants for purchasing items to secure phones and lockers for students.

Some states have taken things into their own hands. Indiana has put in place a ban on students using wireless devices, Florida required public schools to prohibit cell phones and California has passed legislation to prohibit cellphones from classrooms.

Governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee-Sanders, has also pushed Arkansas school districts to adopt similar polices, and is pushing for a pilot program — similar to the house and senate bills — to allow schools to afford phone pouches.

Sarah Huckabee-Sanders’ office released a statement to Brookland News, “Arkansas’ phone-free schools program isn’t about taking anything away. It’s about giving kids the freedom to learn without distractions. Around 75% of Arkansas districts plan to join our initiative, showing parents and teachers’ widespread support for restricting in-school phone use.”

Brookland Public Schools adopted a policy, two years ago, that prohibited devices in the classroom. “Cell phones/electronic devices may be used on school grounds before school, during lunch, between class periods, and after school,” rule 13 in the schools’ handbook states.