Bill · H.R. 2700· House(119-HR-2700)
UNPLUGGED Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/7/2025
- Last activity
- 4/7/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Eugene Vindman
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The UNPLUGGED Act of 2025 requires State educational agencies to implement policies that prohibit students from possessing or using personal mobile phones and other electronic devices in public schools during school hours. State agencies must coordinate with local agencies and consult with parents, students, and educators to establish these rules. To assist with this, the bill allows for secure storage methods like lockers or magnetic pouches. It also provides exceptions for students with medical conditions, disabilities, or specific instructional needs. Additionally, the Secretary of Education will establish a grant program to help states fund storage methods and related infrastructure.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would children be better off under this?+6
The policy is designed to protect children's mental health and academic focus.
Would students be better off under this?+6
The act aims to improve academic performance and mental health outcomes for students.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+5
It seeks to improve the educational environment and mental health of adolescent students.
The opposite
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?-2
The restriction of personal device use during school hours may limit student expression of digital communication.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Academic and Mental Health Outcomes: The bill aims to reverse trends of reduced focus, lower test scores, increased procrastination, and higher levels of anxiety and depression linked to mobile phone use (Section 2(a)).
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Enhanced School Environment: By limiting phone access, the act seeks to reduce classroom distractions, bullying, cyber harassment, and academic dishonesty (Section 2(a)).
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Support for Special Needs: The policy includes protections for students who require personal electronic devices for medical or health monitoring, as well as those with disabilities who need them for individualized education programs or Section 504 plans (Section 3(c)).
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Instructional Flexibility: Exceptions are provided for English learners and students who have a demonstrated need for a device to facilitate instruction (Section 3(c)).
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Financial Assistance for Implementation: A grant program will be established to provide funding to State educational agencies for purchasing and maintaining secure storage methods and infrastructure (Section 3(e)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Personal Device Use: Students will be prohibited from possessing or using personal electronic devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, during school hours (Section 3(a)).
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Requirement of Secure Storage: Students may be required to store their devices in lockable lockers, secure lock boxes, or signal-blocking magnetic pouches (Section 3(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+6Good For Students+6Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Young Adults+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Freedom Of Speech-2
- 9/1/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/7/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Introduced in House
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Johnny OlszewskiDemocrat · Maryland