Arkansas’ ‘Bell to Bell, No Cell’ Law Brings Back Lunchtime Conversation

Arkansas’ new “Bell to Bell, No Cell” law is already changing the atmosphere in schools, with educators reporting more conversation, focus, and face-to-face interaction among students. Officially known as Act 122 and signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders earlier this year, the law bans cell phone use during school hours in all public schools across the state. Teachers and administrators say the difference is noticeable — lunchrooms are louder, students are more engaged, and the distractions and social pressures of constant phone access are gone. By removing the temptation to scroll, many say the policy is fostering stronger peer connections and reducing feelings of exclusion and FOMO.