Washington, DC, February 18, 2026 – Internet Works, the trade association representing Middle Tech companies, today announced its support for the Focus on Learning Act. Authored by Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04) and Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), the legislation would require the U.S. Surgeon General to conduct a study examining how cell phone use impacts the mental health and academic performance of K-12 students, while launching a pilot program providing students with secure containers to store cell phones during school hours. Internet Works is the first trade association to endorse the Focus on Learning Act.
“Internet Works member companies are committed to protecting users of all ages, and we support efforts to ensure schools are a place to learn and grow,” said Peter Chandler, Executive Director of Internet Works. “Through the proposed study and pilot program, the Focus on Learning Act is in line with our mission of shaping a safer, more innovative Internet rooted in trust, opportunity, and user protection. We look forward to partnering with Representatives Westerman and Crow, as well as Senators Cotton and Kaine, as they advance a bipartisan approach to supporting students and teachers in our classrooms.”
“For too long, we’ve seen how technology has continued to develop, meanwhile leaving our teachers, school administrators, and students behind to fend for themselves. Educators across the country will be the first to tell you how cell phone use causes major disruptions in the development of young people’s minds and creates barriers to an effective educational experience. Students across the country are suffering under the weight of social media algorithms specifically created to become addictive – and they are working. Students are our future,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman, “and it’s time for Congress to put our nation’s young people first and cultivate the healthiest and best possible learning environment for our students. The Focus on Learning Act is an excellent first step to address this important issue.”
“Widespread use of cell phones in schools are at best a distraction for young Americans; at worst, they expose schoolchildren to content that is harmful and addictive. Our legislation will make schools remain centers of learning.” Said Senator Tom Cotton.
“As a dad, I know that cell phone use in school is harming our kids’ mental health and undermining their academic success,” said Congressman Jason Crow. “That’s why I introduced the Focus on Learning Act so that we can better understand how increased phone use is impacting learning and give our kids the best opportunity to succeed.”
About Internet Works: Internet Works is a coalition of diverse technology companies working together to right-size regulatory technology policy to foster trust and promote safety online so that the Internet remains a place of limitless possibility and innovation. For more information, please visit www.TheInternet.Works.