Usha Vance Advocates for Books Over Phones in Schools
Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, called for students to prioritize reading books over using electronic devices during a recent event at Cherokee Classical Academy in Canton, Georgia. On August 21, 2025, Vance participated in her 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, where she emphasized the importance of literacy and personal engagement with reading. She shared insights from her own experiences as a parent, highlighting the positive influence that reading can have on children.
Encouraging a Return to Reading
During her visit, Vance expressed her belief that America’s youth should “put down their phones” and engage in reading and other activities that foster concentration. Reflecting on her own family’s journey, she stated, “He wanted to read, and he wanted me to teach him to read,” referring to her middle child’s newfound interest in literacy. This sparked her initiative to delve deeper into the teaching of reading, which she described as “eye-opening.”
Vance’s comments came at a time when schools across the nation are increasingly adopting no-cell policies. Cherokee Classical Academy, known for its “low-tech learning environment,” has implemented strict rules against the use of cell phones during school hours. Vance noted, “It’s wonderful to pick up things that are just a little harder and that require you to focus just a bit more,” advocating for a shift away from distractions.
Legislation Supporting Distraction-Free Education
The push for reduced screen time aligns with recent legislative changes in Georgia. In May 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed the Distraction-Free Education Act into law, which will prohibit the use of phones and other electronic devices on school grounds starting in July 2026. This law aims to mitigate distractions for students in kindergarten through eighth grade during school hours. Georgia joins a growing list of 20 states that have enacted similar measures to restrict cellphone use in schools.
“Reading is a way to counteract the time children spend on electronic devices,” Vance remarked. She believes that participating in focused activities can help children build essential skills and resilience. The Second Lady visited multiple classrooms during her trip, engaging with students and reinforcing the importance of literacy in their academic journey.
The national conversation surrounding screen time and its impact on youth continues to evolve. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 72 percent of teachers believe that cell phones negatively affect students’ mental health. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, President of the American Medical Association, emphasized the need for parents to monitor their children’s screen time, pointing out that excessive use can disrupt healthy sleep patterns and increase anxiety and depression risks.
Vance also shared her family’s commitment to spending time outdoors and engaging in hands-on activities. She mentioned her creative projects, such as building a dollhouse for her children, which reflects her belief in the value of tangible, skill-building experiences.
Her 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, which launched in June, aims to encourage schoolchildren across the nation to read throughout the summer. By tracking their reading progress, children can reap the benefits of literacy and develop a lifelong love for books.
Usha Vance’s advocacy for reading over screen time marks an important dialogue about education and child development in the digital age. As families navigate the influence of technology, her message resonates strongly with parents and educators alike, highlighting the need for balance in children’s lives.
