On April 22, ISTE+ASCD announced a new partnership with Pinterest to support school leaders in creating a healthy digital culture in their schools and promote digital citizenship.
“If we’re going to prepare young people to become learners and leaders in a digital world, we have to do more than teach them how to put their phones in a pouch,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE + ASCD.
By the Numbers
- 98% of educators say teaching digital citizenship should be a priority in their school.
- Only 36% of educators say digital citizenship is actually being prioritized.
Through this partnership, ISTE+ASCD will form digital wellbeing task forces for a cohort of school districts, bringing together educators and experts in youth mental health and digital citizenship. These task forces will support districts in creating the right conditions for students to practice becoming upstanding members of their digital communities.
State by State
Governors across the country have called for cellphone bans in schools during their State of the State addresses since January 2025, and many legislatures have taken action. Central to this issue are concerns related to students’ mental health.
- What’s new: Since our December policy update, 10 states have ratified new cellphone policies. Arkansas passed an additional policy in February, which brings the total to 28 states. Iowa, Georgia and Colorado laws are currently pending their respective governor’s signature.
- Additionally, 16 governors referenced cellphones and concerns about social media and student engagement during their State of the State addresses—many of which were celebrating recently enacted policies.
