Tennessee high school's ban on wireless devices becomes a lesson in success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee state lawmakers are pushing a bill that would mandate school districts across the state to ban the use of personal devices—including cell phones, laptops, and smartwatches—during instructional time.

Having already passed both the House and Senate, the bill aims to reduce distractions and enhance student engagement by limiting technology use in classrooms.

One local charter school, KIPP Nashville, has already implemented a similar policy.

The school introduced a rule last year that locks all electronic devices inside magnetic pouches during the school day. Students and staff say the move has made a significant impact on focus, classroom participation, and even attendance.

Emily Smith, a biology teacher at KIPP Nashville, believes that the policy has allowed her students to engage more deeply with their lessons.

“We’re working to make the curriculum more engaging. We’re doing more hands-on activities. As a biology teacher, it’s great because we have labs and real-world applications to explore,” Smith said.

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