By Bob Katzen

The Education Committee has recommended passage of a bill which would ban student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during classes. The measure would require all public schools and districts in Massachusetts to implement, by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, policies for student use of these devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities.

The policy may include exceptions for school and student health and safety; students with disabilities; student time spent off campus traveling to or from other learning opportunities; multilingual learners; permission from a teacher or other staff member; emergencies; and any other reasonable exception.

The policy must include methods for parents and students to be able to contact one another during the school day if necessary; enforcement provisions; and may differ for students in different grade levels.

Supporters say that students perform better academically when they are not distracted by cell phones and other personal devices during school hours. They cite one study that links cell phone use with increased stress, anxiety and depression; poorer sleep; and decreased self-esteem. They note that another study showed that students not using their cell phones wrote down 62 percent more in their notes, were able to recall more detailed information and scored a full letter grade and a half higher on their tests. They note that less time on screens encourages face to face interactions which can help increase meaningful relationships with peers, develop emotional intelligence, create more of a community within a school and lead to less bullying.

Education Committee Senate chair Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) said he expects the bill to be up in the Senate for debate and a vote by the end of July.

“There are a myriad of negative effects linked to the growing issue of student cell phone usage at school and in the classroom, including diminished academic performance, poorer mental health, worse relationship building and social skills, reduced safety during emergencies, and more,” said Lewis. “According to Pew Research, 72 percent of high school teachers find cell phones a ‘major problem’ in the classroom; and numerous studies have shown the many benefits to student learning and growth by removing cell phones from their educational environment.”

Lewis continued, “We have growing support for action from teachers, students, advocates and state leaders such as Gov. Healey, Senate President Spilka and Attorney General Campbell, and I am very hopeful to see quick movement on this bill as it continues through the legislative process.”