As of July 1, 2025, Tennessee schools are required to limit student phone use during instructional time. This includes devices like cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches. The law makes exceptions for medical needs, emergencies, or teacher-approved educational use. Each school district has flexibility in how they enforce it. In some schools, phones will only be restricted during class periods. In others, they might be stored for the entire day.
For many teens, this change can feel like a big deal. Whether you see this as a helpful step for focus or a frustrating overreach, the way you respond and communicate with your teen about it will make a difference in how they adapt.
1. Start with curiosity, not a lecture
Before you share your own opinion, give them space to share theirs. Ask what they know about the law and what they think will be hardest about it. You might find they are already dreading the loss of connection with friends, or they may be indifferent. Questions like, “What’s the hardest part about this for you?” or “What do you think could actually be good about it?” invite conversation instead of defensiveness.
When you begin with curiosity, you position yourself as someone who is interested in their experience, not just the rule. This often leads to a more honest discussion and shows them you value their perspective.
2. Validate their feelings (even if you see it differently)
Even if you think the law is a positive change, it is important to acknowledge that your teen might feel inconvenienced, excluded, or anxious about being unreachable. You can validate without agreeing. Try saying, “I understand why this feels frustrating. If I had to be without my phone all day, I would feel that way too.”
Validation tells your teen that their feelings are real and worth acknowledging. It creates a safe space where they do not have to argue their case to feel heard, which helps keep the conversation open instead of combative.
3. Share your perspective without shutting theirs down
Once they feel heard, you can share your own take. Keep your explanation simple and avoid turning it into a lecture. You might say, “I think it could help you focus more during the day, but I understand that it might not feel like a benefit to you right now.”
By framing your thoughts this way, you allow both perspectives to coexist. This reduces the pressure for them to agree with you and keeps the focus on mutual understanding rather than winning an argument.
4. Problem-solve together
If they are worried about not being able to reach you or missing something important, brainstorm solutions as a team. For example, you might agree to only send messages at certain times, like lunch, or to have a quick check-in right after school. You can also discuss other ways to stay connected with friends that do not rely on phones during the school day.
When you work through potential challenges together, it shifts the focus from “this rule is against me” to “my parent is in this with me.” That can make the transition less stressful and more manageable.
5. Keep the focus on connection
Laws and school rules will change many times throughout your child’s education. What will remain constant is the quality of your relationship. If your teen learns that you will listen without judgment and respond with empathy, they are more likely to come to you about other issues, both big and small.
This law may be a source of irritation for them right now, but it can also be an opportunity to strengthen trust. By showing you can respect their feelings, you are teaching them how to handle difficulties with maturity and care.
Bottom line:
Understanding the details of the new law is helpful, but the bigger win is in how you approach the conversation with your teen. If they feel heard, supported, and included in problem-solving, they will be better equipped to adapt to this and any other changes that come their way.
