Vindman Applauds Implementation of His Hard-Fought Efforts to Help Kids Focus at School, DoDEA Bans Cellphone Use in the Classroom

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) applauded the implementation of new restrictions that ban phones in the classroom at Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, helping students improve focus and connection while at school.

"Students deserve classrooms where they can learn, connect, and be present," said Vindman. "I've long championed policies that reduce distractions in the classroom and give students the opportunity to focus in class and interact, face-to-face, with other students. I'm proud to keep pushing for phone-free learning environments that help both students and teachers succeed."

The new DoDEA policy marks an important step toward ensuring students can focus on their education, build meaningful connections with their peers, and remain engaged throughout the school day.

BACKGROUND

Vindman has been a champion for reducing cellphone distractions in schools. His bipartisan Mission UNPLUGGED Act takes steps toward creating phone-free learning environments nationwide, including in schools serving military-connected families.

Vindman also introduced the bipartisan Unplugged Schools Act, which would create a new federal grant program for K-12 schools that choose to implement "bell-to-bell" phone bans-prohibiting phone use from the start of the first period to the end of the last. The grants could be used for implementation support, such as secure storage, teacher training, and parent outreach.

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