Hosemann pushes for bill to ban cell phones in Mississippi schools

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann says he will push for a bill to ban cell phone usage in Mississippi schools.

His goal is to limit distractions in the classroom.

Bill history

Hosemann was in favor of a bill last year in the 2025 legislative session to ban cell phones in schools. It did not pass the House of Representatives.

Hosemann said some Mississippi school districts adopted their own cell phone policies, with some banning phone use for the entire school day.

Viewer response

3 On Your Side posted a poll on its website asking viewers for their opinions on the potential ban. The majority of votes were in favor of the bill.

3 On Your Side also posted a question on Facebook asking parents for their thoughts. Multiple users said their children need phones in case an intruder enters the school.

Hosemann argues phones do not equal safety in the classroom.

“If a child is trying to call their mom and tell her someone is trying to break into the school, they need to be under a desk, they don’t need to be calling their mother because with all due respect, there’s nothing that mom can do right then,” Hosemann said.

Social and academic concerns

Hosemann said extreme phone usage can limit social interaction and create a lifelong issue. He believes students cannot reach their full potential if phones are present in the classroom.

“A lot of times they will be trying to teach and someone’s clicking ... so I think teachers deserve to have students’ full attention, and an individual cannot learn if they’re on their phone in class,” Hosemann said.

Exceptions in the bill

Hosemann said he supports phone use between classes and during lunch hours. He is pushing for exceptions for medical emergencies and educational purposes.

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