The Massachusetts Senate has approved legislation that mandates a statewide ban on student cellphone use during school hours. The bill, which passed with a decisive 38-2 vote on July 31, 2025, requires all public school districts to implement "bell-to-bell" policies prohibiting personal electronic devices from the first bell to the last, including all breaks and lunch periods, by the 2026-2027 academic year.
Championed by Senator Jason M. Lewis, Chair of the Joint Committee on Education, the initiative aims to address the pervasive distractions and negative impacts of constant cellphone connectivity on students. Extensive research indicates detrimental effects linked to student cellphone usage in schools, including diminished academic performance, poorer mental health, and challenges in relationship building and social skills. According to Pew Research, 72% of high school teachers identify cell phones as a "major problem" in the classroom. Governor Maura Healey has publicly voiced her support for the ban, emphasizing its potential to safeguard students' mental health and assist parents and educators in creating distraction-free learning spaces.
The legislation includes necessary exemptions for students with disabilities requiring devices for medical reasons, those with individualized education plans (IEPs), and students participating in off-campus learning. Schools will also be obligated to maintain clear channels for parental contact during school hours. Massachusetts is set to become the 32nd state to enact some form of restriction on school cellphone usage, reflecting a growing national trend to mitigate the adverse effects of digital devices on academic achievement and student well-being. While research on the direct impact of school bans on overall screen time yields mixed results, proponents argue that such policies are crucial for fostering a more conducive learning atmosphere, with some studies indicating improvements in student engagement and academic outcomes in schools that have implemented phone restrictions.
The bill now proceeds to the House of Representatives for further consideration, with the goal of fostering a more present and focused educational experience for students across the Commonwealth.