South Dakota Debates Bill to Ban Student Cell Phone Use in Schools

Proposed legislation aims to restrict student cellphone use during school hours, but faces opposition over local control and alternative education concerns.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A bill introduced in the South Dakota legislature would ban student cellphone use on public school campuses during the school day, unless for health emergencies or educational purposes. The Senate Education Committee voted 5-2 to send the bill to the full Senate for debate, despite opposition from the state's Department of Education secretary who argued most schools are already moving toward stricter cellphone policies on their own.

Why it matters

The proposed cellphone ban highlights an ongoing debate over the role of technology in education and the balance between state-level policies and local control. Supporters argue a statewide standard is needed to improve student focus and mental health, while opponents warn it could limit alternative education options and infringe on local decision-making.

The details

The bill, introduced by Republican Sen. Chris Karr, would prohibit student cellphone use on public school campuses during the school day, with exceptions for health emergencies and educational purposes. Currently, about 60% of South Dakota school districts already have some restrictions on student cellphone use, though policies vary. The state's Department of Education secretary, Joe Graves, said he agrees with the 'general premise' but believes most schools are moving toward stricter policies on their own, arguing against a statewide mandate that could 'violate local control'.

  • The Senate Education Committee voted 5-2 on Tuesday to send the bill to the full Senate for debate.
  • The proposed legislation was introduced by Sen. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls.

The players

Sen. Chris Karr

The Republican state senator from Sioux Falls who introduced the bill to ban student cellphone use in South Dakota schools.

Joe Graves

The South Dakota Department of Education secretary who expressed concerns about the bill, arguing that it could 'violate local control' since most schools are already moving toward stricter cellphone policies.

Jennifer Beving

The South Dakota Director of Americans for Prosperity who opposed the bill, arguing it could limit students' ability to access a range of public and alternative education sources.

Sen. Lauren Nelson

The Republican state senator from Yankton who sponsored a separate bill to define 'nonpublic schools' in state law, including unaccredited alternative instruction programs.

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What they’re saying

“Given that, why violate local control? This is a problem already on its way to a complete solution.”

— Joe Graves, South Dakota Department of Education Secretary (gowatertown.net)

“We are schools. We're not public schools. We're not accredited nonpublic schools. We're unaccredited. We have a place, but we're not homeschooling.”

— Sen. Lauren Nelson, State Senator (gowatertown.net)

“I believe there are a number of unintended ways that it could roll back the rights that homeschoolers fought for in 2021.”

— Jennifer Beving, South Dakota Director of Americans for Prosperity (gowatertown.net)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full South Dakota Senate for further debate and a vote.

The takeaway

The debate over the proposed student cellphone ban in South Dakota schools highlights the ongoing tensions between state-level education policies and local control, as well as concerns about how such restrictions could impact alternative education options in the state.