Legislative Trends for Digital Technology in Education

By: Aaliyah Michael, Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

In May 2023, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory calling attention to the correlation between increased social media use and students’ declining mental health. Since then, K-12 schools across the nation have taken action, introducing school-level policies to curb phone use and navigate the proliferation of AI. 

Today, we’re also seeing government officials stepping up to tackle the issue of digital distractions at the state level. Let’s dive into the trends shaping this new legislation and what this means for the future of K-12 schools.

Trend #1: AI Integration in Education

The Role of AI in Modern Classrooms

Official guidance on the use of artificial intelligence technology for the betterment of schools currently exists in 24 states, including North Carolina, California, and Mississippi. Diving deeper, these state-level guidance documents focus on helping educators and students better understand AI and incorporate the technology into classroom learning.

California’s guidance document, for instance, details how educators may help students learn “with AI” and “about AI.” Because AI plays such a significant role in our personal and professional lives, “AI literacy is foundational for a well-rounded education to prepare students for today and tomorrow.”  

Professional Development for Educators

State-level guidance also promotes AI-related professional development for educators and school administrators. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction recommends a list of staff development resources for learning and teaching about AI. It is essential that school leaders not only know how to navigate this emerging technology themselves, but also guide their students in using AI appropriately. 

Trend #2: Phone-Free Schools

State-Wide Cell Phone Bans

Across the nation, state governments have introduced, recommended, or passed legislation to restrict or ban student phone use in schools. 

As of January 17, 2025, these 8 states have passed state-wide cell phone bans: California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. These laws require schools and school districts to prohibit or restrict students’ use of mobile devices during school hours, with exceptions made for health reasons, emergencies, or learning accommodations. In California, districts have a deadline of July 1, 2026 for developing these new technology policies.

Pilot Programs and Alternative Solutions

Twenty-three states, including Washington, Texas, and Pennsylvania, have not yet implemented a state-wide ban, but are introducing or piloting policies to remedy academic and health issues caused by excessive smartphone use. Recommended policies include the allocation of funds toward lockable phone pouches. For example, Arkansas’s “pilot grant program will provide pouches for students to safely store their phones during the school day, creating a better learning environment and inviting in-person socialization.”

Trend #3: Digital Literacy Education

The Importance of Digital Literacy

Overall, it’s clear that AI is here to stay for the foreseeable future. With the increasing incorporation of AI literacy into school curricula and professional development, educators and policymakers are recognizing the benefits of AI software as an instructional tool. 

On the other hand, we’re seeing stronger restrictions being placed on smartphones due to the harmful effects of social media on student mental health. Alongside these bans, however, states like Florida are acknowledging the continued need for education on digital responsibility. In addition to prohibiting the use of mobile devices during instructional time, Florida’s House Bill 379 requires schools to teach students about “the social, emotional, and physical effects of social media.”

In order to promote the safe and ethical use of social media and AI, digital literacy education is crucial. Thankfully, policymakers have recognized the impact of digital technology on learning and are preparing for a new wave of education. 

Looking for digital literacy resources for your school? Check out Digital4Good’s Social Media Literacy Curriculum to equip your students with the essential tools and skills they need to thrive in the digital world!