Sanders moves to ban cellphones in schools

• At least 114 of the state's 237 school districts are participating in the pilot program, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

What they're saying: "We have seen a staggering rise in mental illness among young people over the past decade," Sanders said in a news release. "The culprit is clear: unrestricted access to smartphones and social media."

• "After the overwhelming success of our phone-free schools pilot program, it's clear that it's time for Arkansas to ban smartphones, bell to bell, in every school in our state."

Zoom in: SB142 was filed with Sen. Tyler Dees (R-Siloam Springs) as the lead sponsor and Rep. Jon Eubanks (R-Subiaco) as a primary sponsor.

• The bill would require public schools to adopt cellphone policies prohibiting students from using cellphones and other devices during the school day, with some exceptions for emergencies and in cases where the device is allowed per a student's education plan regarding their disability.

Zoom out: Cellphone bans in schools have been gaining momentum, both in Democratic and Republican-run states, Axios' April Rubin writes.

• Eight states have bans, and more than 20 have policy recommendations to do so, are trying out pilot programs or have introduced legislation that would ban cell phones in schools. Most adults who support cellphone bans want to reduce students' distractions.

The other side: Those who oppose the bans, especially parents of K-12 students, argue that parents should be able to reach their children when needed, Rubin writes.

What we're watching: The bill does not mention whether the state would provide pouches it has during the pilot program.