Massachusetts, New Mexico, Wisconsin Propose School Cellphone Restrictions

Several states are taking legislative action to limit cell phone use in schools due to concerns over distractions and mental health impacts on students. In New Mexico, Senator Crystal Brantley has proposed a bill encouraging school districts to restrict cell phone usage, citing a nationwide trend and offering financial incentives for implementation. Similarly, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell introduced the 'STUDY Act,' which seeks to enforce a 'bell-to-bell' restriction on cell phones in classrooms, emphasizing the importance of creating distraction-free learning environments. In Wisconsin, a bipartisan bill has been introduced to require school boards to develop policies that limit cell phone usage, with exceptions for specific educational needs. Proponents argue that these measures are necessary to enhance student engagement and address the negative effects of social media. Overall, there is a growing recognition of the need to address the role of technology in education.