Anti-distraction policy in schools becomes law in NM

New Mexico schools have until August to implement policies limiting student use of phones and other devices during class time.​

Leah Romero, Source New Mexico

This article was originally published by Source New Mexico.

Public school districts have about three months to develop phone-free policies for students, an initiative passed during the recent legislative session and signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this month.

Senate Bill 11, sponsored by Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte), requires all New Mexico school districts and charter schools to develop rules for students’ use during instructional time of cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops and gaming devices in an effort to limit distractions and improve student performance.

“This bill isn’t just about test scores. It’s about showing our kids that we care enough about their future to take practical steps forward when we can,” Brantley said in a written statement. “Reducing distractions helps not only academic outcomes but also our students’ mental health, safety, and focus.”

According to the bill, districts have until Aug. 1 to create and implement a “wireless communication device policy.” The bill also states that the Public Education Department will provide districts with guidelines for minimum policy requirements, and outlines possible requirements such as: limiting device usage during instructional hours; allowing teachers to grant students permission to use devices during instructional time; allowing students to use devices in emergency situations or for accessibility needs; and establishing consequences for violating the policy.

Lujan Grisham signed the bill on April 10, ahead of the April 11 deadline she had for taking action on legislation passed by the Legislature and sent to her desk. In a legislative message, Lujan Grisham described SB11 as a “first step towards meaningful regulation” of electronic devices in New Mexico schools. However, she called out lawmakers for amending the original bill and making participation in creating policies optional for districts. 

“The Legislature squirmed out of taking a meaningful step to improve education under the auspice[s] of local control,” Lujan Grisham wrote. “That is all well and good until this same body blames the Public Education Department—and now the local bodies—for poor educational outcomes of New Mexico students. I once again encourage the Legislature to hold local school districts accountable for educational outcomes. Our students deserve it.”

Kelly Jameson, director of communications for Las Cruces Public Schools, told Source NM in a written statement that the district supports the “intent of SB11 to create safer, more focused learning environments for all students.” She added that the LCPS Board of Education adopted a policy in 2009 concerning the use of electronic communication devices in school. The policy notes that having a device in school is “a privilege” that can be taken away.

The LCPS board also adopted a regulation in 2023 that outlines by grade level when students may use devices during the school day. For example, elementary students may only use devices before or after school. Middle school students may use their devices during lunch periods, but not during passing periods between classes and regulations for high school students are more lenient. 

Violating the LCPS policy can mean devices are confiscated; devices must be left in the school’s front office during the school day; or other disciplinary actions are taken with multiple violations.

Leah Romero is a Las Cruces-based reporter placed with Source New Mexico through the New Mexico Local News Fellowship.