A bill to direct the Surgeon General to conduct a study regarding the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools, and to establish a pilot program of awarding grants to enable certain schools to create a school environment free of mobile devices.

2/7/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 404

Bill 119 s 404, also known as the "Mobile Devices in Schools Study and Pilot Program Act," aims to address the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools. The bill directs the Surgeon General to conduct a study on the impact of mobile devices on students' health, well-being, and academic performance.

Additionally, the bill establishes a pilot program that will award grants to certain schools to create a school environment free of mobile devices. This program is designed to test the effectiveness of eliminating mobile devices in schools and to determine if it leads to improved student outcomes.

The goal of this legislation is to gather data on the effects of mobile devices in schools and to explore alternative approaches to promoting a healthy and productive learning environment for students. The bill does not ban the use of mobile devices in all schools, but rather seeks to provide schools with the resources and support needed to create a mobile device-free environment if they choose to do so. Overall, Bill 119 s 404 represents a proactive approach to addressing the potential impact of mobile devices on students and aims to promote the well-being and academic success of young learners in elementary and secondary schools.

Congressional Summary of S 404

Focus on Learning Act

This bill requires certain federal actions to address the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools.

First, the bill directs the Office of the Surgeon General, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to study and report on the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools nationwide. Among other elements, this study must include the impact of mobile device use on student learning and academic achievement, student educational outcomes, and student mental health.

Second, the Department of Education, in consultation with HHS, must establish a pilot program to award grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to enable participating schools served by such LEAs to purchase secure containers and install lockers in order to create a school environment free of mobile devices.

Current Status of Bill S 404

Bill S 404 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 5, 2025. Bill S 404 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 5, 2025. Bill S 404's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of February 5, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 404

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 404

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 404

A bill to direct the Surgeon General to conduct a study regarding the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools, and to establish a pilot program of awarding grants to enable certain schools to create a school environment free of mobile devices.