Tennessee House overwhelmingly approved the measure Monday, requiring that schools ban cell phone use while teachers are instructing students.

House Bill 932sponsored by Jonesborough Republican Rep. Rebecca Alexander, and received bipartisan support with 80-10 votes.

While some school districts have long-standing mobile phone policies, avoiding classroom distractions, Alexander said the state school supervisors’ association has sought sponsorship of the bill.

She explained that school districts must adopt a policy but have discretion to determine whether the ban is in effect during class hours or the entire school day.

Some Democrats raised concerns that students could not contact their parents in emergencies such as shootings.

But others, including Democrats in Memphis, said scientific research has shown that constant use of mobile phones can affect a child’s brain differently and “naturally” ability to grow.

Another Democrat, Rep. Caleb Hemmer of Nashville, said he has received “positive” feedback from teachers and counselors at his children’s schools since enacting a mobile phone policy.

The bill also applies to tablets and laptop computers and gaming devices, allowing teachers to use wireless communication devices for educational purposes, for emergency and emergency or health management.

Students are also permitted to use mobile phones if they are usually included in a separate educational program for special education students.

District policies also require that you set up procedures to contact parents and guardians in emergencies.