Opinion: Phones Are Hurting Our Students. Utah Needs a Bell-to-Bell Solution

By Sen. Lincoln Fillmore and Rep. Doug Welton

Guest Opinion, Deseret News
Published Jan. 21, 2026

Utah students are facing rising anxiety, declining focus, and fewer meaningful face-to-face interactions. Research increasingly links excessive screen time and constant smartphone access to anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and challenges in the classroom.

Utah should establish a statewide baseline that keeps phones off and put away throughout the school day, from the first bell to the last, while preserving the ability of local schools and districts to adopt policies that best fit their needs.

More than 30 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted phone-free policies for schools and classrooms, including 23 with bell-to-bell restrictions. National data also show more than half of school leaders report that cellphones undermine academic performance.

A statewide baseline would give schools a clear expectation, reduce distractions, strengthen face-to-face interaction, and help students refocus on learning while preserving local flexibility.

Read the full opinion at Deseret News.

Originally published by Deseret News on Jan. 21, 2026. Written by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore and Rep. Doug Welton.