School districts and charter schools across the state can now apply for grants to help them implement policies designed to limit students from using phones and other personal wireless communication devices during the school day.
The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion and the New Mexico Public Education Department are partnering in the Wireless Communication Device Policy Implementation Grant Program, an effort aimed at helping kids focus at school by limiting screen time.
OBAE is providing $1 million in grants to help PED support the 89 school districts and 100 charter schools that have already implemented the new policy.
“Every student deserves a learning environment where they can focus, engage with their teachers and classmates and reach their full potential free from unnecessary distractions,” said Mariana Padilla, secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department. “This funding will help school districts and charter schools implement thoughtful, locally developed policies that support student learning, improve school safety, and promote healthier, more meaningful connections throughout the school day.”
In 2024, the Surgeon General of the United States warned that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for teens, and in May 2026 recommended schools establish rules requiring students refrain from using personal devices during the school day.
According to the NMPED, studies conducted nationwide showed that restricting the use of these devices has supported anti-bullying efforts and promoted social emotional health among students.
In April 2025, Gov. Lujan Grisham signed the school anti-distraction policy bill. Under the law, every school district and charter must develop and enforce their rules with exceptions that include student medical needs and emergencies.
Once a policy is in place, schools may apply for OBAE funding.
OBAE established the grant program under its statutory mission to support school connectivity.
“Part of OBAE’s mission is to ensure every school and student has access to the internet and the digital tools to be successful,” said Jeff Lopez, OBAE director. “Today, that means balancing access with tools to limit distractions and mitigate social media’s harms to mental health. It’s not fair to teachers or students, who should be focused on teaching and learning. We at OBAE want to help schools and students succeed in their missions.”
The money would go toward network firewalls, lockers to store phones or locking bags that block Wi-Fi signals. All schools must submit the funding application by Aug. 14, to be considered. The funding is limited, and applications will be processed and funded on a first- come, first-serve basis.
Should applications exceed the amount of funding available, they will be rolled over to the following fiscal year, according to the NMPED. OBAE will oversee the grant application and selection process. PED is administering the Wireless Communication Device Policy and requirements for the schools.
Sen. Crystal Brantley, of District 35, who introduced the bill alongside Sen. Antonio Maestas, of District 26, said they always intended for the state to help districts cover the cost of implementation.
Funding was stripped from the bill before it reached the Governor’s desk, however Brantley said she would continue to fight for funding until every school has the resources they need.
“This is real progress for New Mexico families, and most importantly, for our students,” she said. “Kids deserve a classroom that isn’t competing with a device engineered to steal their attention. Our schools and our kids deserve nothing less.”
School districts and charter schools that have implemented a wireless communication device policy can apply for funding through OBAE’s Device Policy Grant page: connect.nm.gov/device-policy-grant.html.