Multiple US States Enact Cell Phone Bans in Schools for 2025-27

Several U.S. states and international regions are moving to implement comprehensive bans on cell phone use during the school day to reduce distractions and improve students' mental health and learning environments. Virginia's new law, effective July 1, requires all public K-12 students to keep phones off throughout the school day, with exceptions for health or educational needs, supported by $500,000 in state funding. Baltimore City and other Maryland counties are following suit, citing improved student engagement and reduced conflicts from their trial programs, despite some concerns about limiting connectivity and modern learning tools. Massachusetts is considering the STUDY Act, which would ban phones from the start to the end of the school day and include education on social media harms, with backing from state officials linking phone use to youth mental health crises. Vermont has enacted House Bill 480 to enforce a phone-free policy starting in the 2026-27 school year, emphasizing the need for focused learning and healthy social interaction, while allowing exceptions for health and safety accommodations. Internationally, Portugal plans to ban mobile phone use for younger students in both public and private schools, though details on implementation timelines remain forthcoming.