Massachusetts Senate Advances Bill Banning Cellphones in Schools

The Massachusetts Senate is advancing a bill to ban cellphone and other personal electronic device use in all public schools during the entire school day, aiming to reduce distractions and improve student focus and mental health. The legislation requires each school district to create a policy for regulating these devices, which must be approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, with implementation targeted before the 2026-27 school year. The ban would include cellphones, tablets, smartwatches, and Bluetooth headphones, but also includes exemptions for special education needs, English language learners, emergencies, and health and safety considerations. The bill mandates that schools provide ways for parents and guardians to contact students during the school day. Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Education Committee Chair Jason Lewis support the bill, citing overwhelming evidence that cellphones hinder student achievement and classroom teaching. Similar bans exist in over a dozen other states, and the bill is moving toward a full Senate vote after passing the Joint Committee on Education.