ON AUGUST 26, Utah lawmakers came to Granger High to host a press conference. Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, who hosted the event, announced a new bill to be considered in the upcoming legislative session. The bill, “Devices in Public Schools,” aims to “address the use of cellphones, smartwatches, or emerging technologies in classrooms,” according to the senate.utah.gov website.

The current standard in Utah allows each school district to set their own phone policy. According to Sen. Fillmore, who co-wrote the bill, this new bill would change this significantly. The new standard for Utah districts under this law would be an across-the-board prohibition of phones. However, this is only a baseline, as the bill, “…allows a [district or school] to create exemptions to the prohibition,” Sen. Fillmore said. 

Additionally, this bill will set aside $4.85 million in funding for schools to update and implement procedures accordingly.

When the conference opened for questions, Sen. Fillmore clarified that parents would be able to get a hold of students, and that funding would be allocated to districts for implementation of this new policy. When asked what drove this policy, he responded, “What’s the difference between this year and last year [at Granger]? Kids are talking to each other and paying attention more. That’s what we’re after,” Sen. Fillmore said. 

If enacted, this legislation is set to go into effect July 1, 2025, just before the start of the following school year.

It’s also no coincidence that the conference was hosted at Granger, which is piloting this new policy. Students are now familiar with Yondr pouches and a bell-to-bell zero phone policy. 

“Yondr was started by US entrepreneur Graham Dugoni in 2014, who was fed up going to see live music only to find thousands of people watching gigs through their phones, rather than enjoying the music,” as stated on the thescottishsun.co.uk website.

Being a ‘ground zero’ of sorts for this new legislation, it only made sense that Granger would host the unveiling. 

As for what Lancers are thinking, Dr. Tyler Howe is optimistic regarding the new policy. “I like that the legislation honors local control…it forces a discussion. Every community, every school is different,” Dr. Howe said. 

Concerning how the current Granger policy is coming along, Dr. Howe is pleasantly surprised at the generally positive reactions—both from students and teachers. He recognizes that, while the policy is working well for Granger, applying it as a one-size-fits-all solution to every single school would be problematic. 

Dr. Howe is not alone in this — Granite School District Superintendent Ben Horsely is hesitant, but hopeful for the new phone policy. “We are watching data very closely. There are other bell-to-bell initiatives that could work as well. [We] will evaluate all options next spring and decide if an expansion or adjustment of the new policy is necessary,” Horsely said.

This opinion is also shared by Utah State Superintendent, Sydnee Dickson, who also emphasizes the importance of having a consistent policy. “I am fully supportive of any policy and practice that removes phones in schools. While some schools allow for phones during pass time or lunch, I am a fan of the bell-to-bell policy that Granger has,” Dickson said.

However, despite how scary this may sound, it’s not all bad. Not much will change at Granger come Fall 2025 as Granite District has a head start. “The bill that was referenced in the press event is something our district is already in compliance with, so no new changes are anticipated unless the bill gets changed dramatically,” Horsely said. 

Dr. Howe agrees, Granger shouldn’t expect much of a difference because of the bill. 

And second, “Devices in Public Schools,” does make reasonable exceptions to the ban. For instance, if a phone is accommodated in an IEP, or if a medical necessity for a phone is present — as stated in the bill. Regardless, Lancers shouldn’t throw that phone pouch in the bin. Yondr pouches probably aren’t going anywhere, even if this new bill doesn’t become a law.