Focus on Learning Act

Senate Bill

S. 404

119th Congress

Focus on Learning Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 5, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Tom Cotton

Senator

Republican

AR

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Education

Summary

The Focus on Learning Act addresses mobile device use in schools through two approaches. First, it directs the Surgeon General to study the impact of mobile devices on student learning, academic achievement, and mental health. Second, it creates a pilot grant program for schools to purchase secure phone containers and lockers to create device-free learning environments.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Focus on Learning Act addresses mobile device use in schools through two approaches. First, it directs the Surgeon General to study the impact of mobile devices on student learning, academic achievement, and mental health. Second, it creates a pilot grant program for schools to purchase secure phone containers and lockers to create device-free learning environments.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Focus on Learning ActThis 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.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Surgeon General study on mobile device impact in schools
Examines effects on learning and mental health
Pilot grant program for device-free schools
Funds secure phone containers and lockers
Addresses student distraction concerns
Data-driven approach to school phone policies

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill responds to growing concerns about smartphone distraction and mental health impacts on students. By combining research with practical grants, it helps schools understand the problem and implement solutions. Many schools have already adopted phone-free policies, and this federal support would help more schools purchase the infrastructure needed to enforce such policies while building an evidence base on effectiveness.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Education

Related Subjects

Academic performance and assessments

Congressional oversight

Educational facilities and institutions

Elementary and secondary education

Government studies and investigations

School administration

Telephone and wireless communication

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

404, 119th Congress (2025). "Focus on Learning Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-404