HB781

I support the need for a cell phone bill, however, I don't believe the Districts need $300k to fund it.

I support the need for a cell phone bill, however, I don't believe the Districts need $300k to fund it.

Schools already have cell phone usage rules. The government does not need to get involved. I want my kids to be able to contact me anytime for safety.

In 2024, NH Senate failed to pass a bill to make schools gun free zones. It’s absolutely disgusting that you are more concerned with policing teenagers’ TikTok habits than keeping guns out of schools. Prioritizing petty distractions over basic student safety is not just ironic but outright negligent. Negligent. Irresponsible. Reckless. Shortsighted. Incompetent. Our schools can’t even get “adequate” funding. You seem to be perfectly fine with gutting school funding, stripping away arts, languages, and civics, and calling it “reform” while pretending that banning cell phones is some grand solution to student success. Instead of investing in a well-rounded education, they leave students with fewer resources, fewer opportunities, and a weaker future—then pat themselves on the back for keeping cell phones out of the classroom. Negligent. Irresponsible. Reckless. Shortsighted. Incompetent. Do better. Vote for better.

Good morning Committee, I urge you to OPPOSE HB781 as it is written. While I fully support students having cell phone free classrooms, I do NOT support the outrageous tax-payer funded cost to do so. This bill should be re-written to acquire the funding from schools by downsizing their cost of their administrations, as teachers have not had pay raises for many decades now. Much like the federal government is experiencing a financial audit, the New Hampshire schools need to experience financial audits and a part of that can be this bill being re-written to acquire funding directly from the schools to implement these changes. Sincerely, James

I do not believe this needs to become a state law. This should be left up to the individual schools as well as the individual students and parents to decide whether or not a cell phone is provided to the child. And if that phone maybe used at school. Majority of Midland high schools already have individual cell phone policies. In many cases, cell phones are critical devices in communication between student and parents- for navigation of afterschool activities and so on. A cell phone is necessary device for communication from student to parent in this day and age. cell phones and other technology and are already embraced as everyday life. it’s our duty as adults to teach children how to utilize them correctly and at appropriate times. Simply saying no to them dose not solve problematic issues involving cell phones. As somebody who is worked in Childhood development - experience shows us not to simply say no to kids. That it’s our responsibility to them all to build life skills , teach them responsibilities. And just saying no , causes resentment and rebellion. Kids won’t stop having these Devices or others as the years continue on . Our focus needs to how to appropriately use technologies as society advances. We know as adults devices have become part of everyone’s day-to-day life. fully denying access for some might seem intuitive- a fast social solution to stop issues such as bullying or non-engagement in the classroom. These issues will continue regardless whether or not phones are with students in classrooms. In the 80s and 90s it was with paper notes and words shared in the hallways. Curving the issue starts with a connective and educational approach. The focus of our discussion needs to be on shaping the emotional intelligence and community atmosphere of schools- to detour distraction and inappropriate behaviors. , to limit cell phone access would put our children in a place of disadvantage later in life. Just with computer usage eating sweets and anything else that should be done in moderation- it’s up to adults to show the next generations proper ways to implement self control. no one can deny the impact of social media on younger generations lives. The continuous research that shows us how dangerous and harmful unfettered access to technology can be, as it is for all people. But simply making an arbitrary Knee-jerk reaction really takes out the responsibility and put a Band-Aid on a wider problem.

Seems like an awful lot of money for something that could be an email, not to mention most teachers already don’t allow cellphone use in a classroom.

We do not need government to assert itself into how we or our children use cell phones. This is best left to the parents, student, and teachers actually involved in each situation.

Leave these policies to the local school boards to develop. The state doesn’t need to dictate from Concord.

This should be a parents choice not political, my daughter is a severe asthmatic, as was I , and at say Pinkerton Academy the nurse is far to walk. By the time myself or my daughter would get to nurse walking it was too late and full blown asthma attack , I also want to be informed that she is heading to nurse & I can be right there to give her nebulizer treatment. “Asthma” can be mild or severe & she can call me and get to her quicker then the nurse at school & end up in hospital because she couldn’t call me. Another is with all this gun violence which is #1 killer in children at the moment I would want to be informed ASAP if something happened in stead of worrying because she had no phone to let me know she’s not dead or injured.

Dear Members of the New Hampshire Legislature, I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 781-FN. While I understand the intent to minimize distractions in schools, enforcing a blanket ban on cell phones during instructional time overlooks their potential as valuable educational tools. Many educators integrate smartphones into their lesson plans to enhance learning through interactive applications and real-time information access. A strict prohibition could hinder innovative teaching methods and limit students' engagement with technology, ultimately doing more harm than good. Furthermore, such a policy may disproportionately affect students with disabilities who rely on personal devices for learning support. While the bill allows for exceptions under individualized education programs (IEPs) or 504 plans, it lacks clear guidelines, potentially leading to inconsistent application and inadvertent discrimination. The proposed $250,000 appropriation to enforce this policy is not only likely insufficient but also an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. This expenditure directs resources away from critical educational needs and adds yet another layer of regulation to schools already navigating complex requirements. School districts are best equipped to determine and manage policies around technology use, and this bill undermines local control with a top-down mandate that fails to account for the unique needs of each community. Instead of imposing restrictive measures, I urge you to consider a more balanced approach that educates students on responsible cell phone use and encourages teachers to incorporate technology constructively into their curricula. This approach would promote digital literacy, foster personal responsibility, and better prepare students for a technology-driven world without resorting to wasteful and overreaching policies. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jonah Schulte

Choice prevails here too.

I oppose this bill!

This is a school decision. Keep the state out of the school.

Cell phones should be managed at the school level. Cutting communication between kids and parents in this day in age is a safety risk. Families should be partnering with schools for appropriate cell phone use with guidelines that are student and school specific not managed at the state level. There are far more important things we need our legislature focusing on. Cell phones in schools shouldn't be rising to the top of anyone's priority list right now. Unless of course it is to detract from the more significant things going on.

I oppose this bill.

I feel that fully banning cell phones is infringing on my rights as a parent to determine if my children is mature enough to handle a cell phone. My children attend a district school and it is a safety concern. I can send a message to communicate transportation changes and my children can communicate a safety concern to me in real time. We restrict their cell phone uses and they have blocks and we monitor them. They have it in their pockets for urgent needs, not for socializing with friends. Please do not consider this bill.

This bill directly impacts the parent’s decision to give their child a phone to be in contact in case of an emergency this decision should be left up to the schools.

This is government overreach. These are decisions that should be made at the school district and school level. Students also use their phone to receive communications in the form of school announcements, emails, and other uses beyond social media. Please go back to passing bills that actually benefit education.

Unenforcable

Enforcement is a nightmare for teachers … again! Better to teach responsibile use of the phone!

When my kid is older I would want my child to have access to her phone for after school activities. To help her through the day if she needs to reach out to me. Have the availability to let me know she safely made it to and from school.

While using cell phones recreationally during class absolutely leads to poorer grades, it should be school policy rather than legal policy. Also, refusing to allow youth manners of contact in case of emergency presents a horrible safety hazard. I know this is an appeal to emotion, but picture how you would feel if you didn't know your child was shot during an act of terror on a school.

I oppose this bill. Should be up to individual schools to make policy regarding phones.