By Bob Katzen

Senate 38-2, approved and sent to the House legislation that 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 students who need their device for treating a medical condition; students with disabilities; students who spend time off campus traveling to or from other learning opportunities; and students with individualized education plans. 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.

“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 Sen. Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Committee on Education. “According to Pew Research, 72 percent of high school teachers consider cell phones to be a major problem in the classroom, and numerous studies have shown the many robust benefits to student learning and growth by removing cell phones from their educational environment.”

“Massachusetts has a proud history of supporting and uplifting K-12 public education for our residents, but a device small enough to fit in a pocket presents a profound challenge to ensuring student success,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “That’s why I charged the Senate in May of this year to explore ways to make our schools cell phone free. This legislation delivers on that commitment and builds on the Senate’s mission of creating a statewide education system that continues to promote learning and growth.”

“This impactful legislation will make many beneficial and lasting improvements in the quality of our public school education,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Countless studies have shown the detrimental and distracting effects of cell phone usage both in the classroom, and for entire school day,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “While many school districts have already implemented some type of cell phone restriction, this bill takes a uniform approach to this problem, tasking the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a clear ban on cell phones and electronic devices for public school students. The results in the other states that have enacted similar legislation are startling. Students are more engaged, become more proficient in their studies and the student-teacher relationship is enhanced. This measure also greatly reduces the threat of cyber-bullying.”

“Cellphones are instrumental in society and an outright cell phone ban in schools does not serve students well or appropriately teach students how and when to use phones maturely in an academic environment,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), one of only two senators to oppose the bill. “This legislation also creates a blanket policy for all schools rather than allowing the school districts to create policies based on their own community’s needs. Finally, this legislation fails to consider all facets of cell phone use in schools such as families communicating during the school day especially during a public safety or family emergency.”

Sen. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton), the only other senator who voted against the bill, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she opposed the measure.

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)
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Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes