Proposed Bill Would Make Oklahoma Classrooms 'Cell Phone Free'

An Oklahoma senator is releasing new details on legislation she's proposing that focuses on education.

State Senator Ally Seifried said there are high rates of anxiety, bullying, and depression in schools and social media is a huge factor. She thinks that having schools go cell phone-free would help with their well-being.

Senate Bill 1321 would support schools adopting the policy and a 2 year study would be done to see if test scores improve and if it leads to better classroom management. Her other proposed legislation Senate Bill 1342 would target bringing more teachers to work in the state.

"I have worked extremely hard over the interim on setting the teacher pipeline, understanding our shortage, and how we got here. So, I'm focused on getting more certified teachers into the classroom, helping with our retention as well. So, one of my priorities is the Oklahoma Teacher Recruitment Academy, and it's offering scholarships to teachers in exchange for teaching in the state of Oklahoma in a critically short subject area."

Seifred is working to gain support at local forums with both teachers and students. Both Senate Bills just passed the Education Committee and will need to gain the support of the Appropriations Committee before heading to the full Senate.