During her visit to Cherokee Classical Academy in Canton, Georgia, Second Lady Usha Vance emphasized the importance of shifting students’ focus from electronic devices to reading and other engaging activities. This visit was part of her 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, which aims to combat declining literacy scores and promote mental well-being by encouraging reduced screen time. Vance, along with her husband Vice President JD Vance, shared personal insights on the importance of literacy after being inspired by her son’s reading enthusiasm.
Vance’s statements align with Georgia’s new Distraction-Free Education Act, which will take effect in July 2026. This law prohibits the use of phones and electronic devices, including smartwatches, tablets, and laptops, during school hours for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The act is part of a broader trend, with 20 states now implementing or planning similar cellphone bans in schools. Many states are also requiring schools to establish tailored policies that address the impact of technology on students’ mental health.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 72% of teachers believe cellphones have negatively impacted students’ mental health. American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., emphasized the need for parents to monitor their children’s screen time and create routines that include intentional breaks from technology. He pointed out that excessive screen time can interfere with sleep, increase risks for anxiety and depression, and reduce physical activity. Vance’s challenge encourages students to engage in activities that require sustained focus, such as reading or building projects, to counteract the distractions posed by modern technology.
Vance shared her family’s commitment to outdoor activities and hands-on learning, mentioning that she and her children often build projects using recycled materials. This reflects her broader message about the importance of engaging in activities that foster creativity and focus away from digital distractions. The Summer Reading Challenge also seeks to inspire students to develop a lifelong love for reading, with the long-term goal of improving literacy and academic performance.