Bill · S. 404· Senate(119-S-404)
Focus on Learning Act
- Introduced
- 2/5/2025
- Last activity
- 2/5/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Tom Cotton
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Focus on Learning Act directs the Surgeon General to study the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools. This study will examine impacts on student learning, mental health, and school climate. Additionally, the bill establishes a pilot program where the Secretary of Education awards grants to local educational agencies. These funds help schools purchase secure containers and lockers to create environments free of student mobile devices. Participating schools must follow specific guidelines regarding communication and parental notification.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this put more money into public schools?+5
The bill authorizes $5,000,000 in grants to help local educational agencies purchase secure containers and lockers.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+3
The bill funds a study by the Surgeon General to examine the effects of mobile devices on student learning and mental health.
Would children be better off under this?+3
The bill aims to improve the learning environment and mental health of elementary and secondary school students by limiting mobile device use.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Information on student well-being: The Surgeon General will conduct a study to determine how mobile device use impacts student learning, academic achievement, educational outcomes, engagement, mental health, classroom instruction, and school climate or behavior (Section 3).
-
Creation of device-free environments: The pilot program provides grants to help schools purchase secure containers and install lockers to create a school environment where student mobile devices are kept in a secure container controlled by a school administrator (Section 2 and Section 4).
-
Support for specific student needs: The bill allows for exemptions so that mobile devices can still be used to monitor or treat health conditions, or by students who are children with disabilities or English learners for translation purposes (Section 4).
-
Communication safeguards: Participating schools are required to have a communication system for staff and emergency responders, as well as a clear process for students to contact their parents (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on device use: The bill aims to create a "school environment free of mobile devices," which means student mobile devices would be kept in a secure container controlled by a school administrator during regular school hours, including lunch and free periods (Section 2 and Section 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+5Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+3Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For People With Disabilities+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+2
- 12/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
David McCormickRepublican · Pennsylvania