By: Carson Hamilton
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)—Beginning the 2025-2026 school year, cell phones will be banned in Arkansas public schools from the first bell to the last under a new bill signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The “Bell-to-Bell” bill, part of the state’s broader initiative to prioritize student mental health, aims to limit screen time in schools. There are avid public concerns about the negative effects of increased screen time on youth.
The law will impact cell phone policies across the state, including those already in place at Fayetteville Public Schools (FPS). Currently, FPS has a policy that limits phone usage for K–12 students, allowing only 7–12 grade students to use their phones during passing periods or lunch. Kindergarten through 6th grade students are prohibited from using cell phones. However, with the new law in effect, all schools will be required to follow the “Bell-to-Bell” phone ban.
Governor Sanders’ initiative is backed by research showing that increased screen time among youth is linked to higher risks of anxiety, depression, and aggression. A study by Nexus Health Systems highlighted these concerns, and the goal of the bill is to reverse this and promote better mental well-being.
According to the Centers for Disease Control
To test the policy, Arkansas launched a pilot program in 2023, involving over 100 schools across the state. These schools followed the same guidelines as the bill. After a year of successful results, the bill was signed into law. There is funding for the success of the program, including the purchase of Yonder Pouches—these are special bags that will securely store phones during the school day.
Fayetteville Public Schools, which has already seen positive changes under its existing phone restrictions, is preparing for the state mandate. Alan Wilbourn, FPS’s executive director for communications and public relations, praised the success of their current policy, saying it has helped foster more positive interactions among students.
“The lunchroom is loud again; they’re not all on their phones; they’re talking to each other; they’re laughing, they’re flirting, they’re being kids like they’re supposed to be,” Wilbourn said. “Before, you could see every age on their phones.”
FPS is embracing the change. The school’s library has expanded its resources for students, with librarians already planning to increase the use of Chromebooks and audiobooks in the absence of phones. FPS librarian Karen Harmon believes that without the distraction of phones, students will be more engaged in other technologies for their education.
“We could see a shift toward more use of listening devices and other forms of electronic engagement,” Grant said. “It opens up more opportunities to explore other resources that don’t involve screens.”
Despite the enthusiasm for the new policy, some students have raised safety concerns. FPS has had two alerts this year involving guns on campus, which has led some to worry that the phone ban could leave students unable to communicate with their parents in case of emergencies. Liza Carter, a senior at FPS, expressed her concerns about the policy.
“Because we’ve already had two guns on campus this year, I just feel like not being able to access your phone at all is just a safety hazard more than anything,” Carter said.
In response to these concerns, FPS has emphasized that the school will maintain open lines of communication with parents. The district plans to directly communicate with parents and guardians for all daily and crisis communications.
As the new law moves forward, schools across the state will need to adjust their policies to the “Bell-to-Bell” bill. The law will go into effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year, with all public schools in Arkansas required to follow the new restrictions.
“The minute the school day starts, the bell rings, the phones go up,” Wilbourn said.
For many, the move is seen as a positive step toward improving mental health and student engagement. However, as schools prepare for the changes, the balance between student safety and limited screen time remains an ongoing conversation.
Answering the phone audio