News

Vermont bill would ban cellphone use for anyone under 21

A Vermont lawmaker has introduced a new bill that would ban the use of cellphones by anyone under the age of 21.

State Sen. John Rodgers’ proposal would punish anyone under the age threshold found with a cellphone with up to one year in prison, a $1,000 fine or both, news station WPTZ reported.

Rodgers argued that young people are too immature to use cellphones, citing the role the devices play in fatal car crashes.

“In light of the dangerous and life-threatening consequences of cellphone use by young people, it is clear that persons under 21 years of age are not developmentally mature enough to safely possess them, just as the General Assembly has concluded that persons under 21 years of age are not mature enough to possess firearms, smoke cigarettes or consume alcohol,” the bill says, according to the outlet.





The bill also argues that cellphones are a driving force in bullying and can fuel radicalization.

“The Internet and social media, accessed primarily through cell phones, are used to radicalize and recruit terrorists, fascists, and other extremists. Cell phones have often been used by mass shooters of younger ages for research on previous shootings,” the bill reads.

But even Rodgers said he may not vote for the legislation, adding that he just wanted to make a point.

“I have no delusions that it’s going to pass. I wouldn’t probably vote for it myself,” he told the Times Argus.





Share this: