States Take Action on Phones in School (with Rep. Angela Arsenault)

In this episode, Nicki Reisberg sits down with Vermont State Representative Angela Arsenault to talk about her groundbreaking Phone and Social Media Free Schools Bill. They explore how removing digital distractions from the classroom can support students’ academic growth, social development, and mental health. Rep. Arsenault opens up about navigating tech use with her own kids and addresses the common concerns from parents and educators about safety and communication. They also dig into the legislative side of things—how schools can implement healthier tech policies, why student data privacy matters, and what role parents can play in driving change. It’s an honest, insightful look at what it really takes to make schools safer and more focused in a digital age.

If you would like to join a weekly Zoom meeting to learn more about bringing Phone-Free Schools to your state, register here.

Review the specifics of the Phones and Social Media-Free Schools bill here.