Focus on Learning Act

The bill would require the Surgeon General, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, to complete a study within two years examining how mobile device use in elementary and secondary schools affects student learning, academic achievement, mental health, classroom instruction, and school climate. The study would also analyze data gathered from schools participating in an associated pilot grant program. A report to Congress would be required and made publicly available.

Separately, the bill would direct the Department of Education, in consultation with HHS, to establish a pilot grant program awarding funds to local educational agencies so their schools can buy secure containers and install lockers — creating what the bill calls a "school environment free of mobile devices." The bill authorizes $5,000,000 for the pilot program over five fiscal years. Participating schools would be required to maintain emergency communications for staff and a process for students to reach parents, and could grant exemptions for students with health conditions, disabilities, or English-language translation needs.

Local educational agencies (school districts) that apply for grants, and the elementary and secondary schools they serve. Students at participating schools would have phones stored during school hours. Parents of students at potentially participating schools would receive advance notification and be invited to give feedback. The Surgeon General and the Departments of Education and HHS would take on new study and administrative responsibilities.

Schools and districts interested in restricting phones would gain a potential source of federal funding for secure storage infrastructure. The required Surgeon General study could shape future federal, state, and local policy by providing government-backed data on how mobile device restrictions affect learning and student mental health — areas where evidence is still accumulating and debated.

The Surgeon General would have two years from enactment to complete the study and submit a public report to Congress. Concurrently, the Department of Education would design a grant application process, select participating local educational agencies based on likely research value, and disburse funds. LEAs must notify and solicit parental feedback at least 30 days before applying. Participating schools must maintain staff communication systems and a process for student-parent contact. Up to 2 percent of appropriated funds may be used for administrative expenses and data collection. The pilot program data feeds directly into the Surgeon General's study.