Sen. Lewis leads effort for cell phone-free schools

In early July, the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education, including State Senator Jason Lewis, who is the committee’s chair, voted across party lines and unanimously in favor of a bill requiring all public school districts to implement student policies that restrict the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day. The bill has been referred to the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee and is expected to be debated and passed by the full Senate later this month.

Reportedly, research shows many negative effects linked to student cell phone use, including diminished academic performance, poorer mental health, worse relationship building and social skills and reduced safety during emergencies. According to Pew Research, 72% of high school teachers consider cell phones a “major problem” in the classroom.

An Act to promote student learning and mental health, which was drafted by Senator Lewis, draws from multiple bills filed at the beginning of this legislative session to address the issue of student cell phone use in schools. “Numerous studies have shown the many benefits to student learning and well-being by removing cell phones from their educational environment,” said Senator Lewis. “We have growing support for action from parents, teachers, students, advocates, and state leaders like Governor 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.”

The bill directs local school districts to implement “bell-to-bell” restrictions on student cell phone use during the school day but allows districts to provide exceptions for student health and safety reasons, for students with disabilities or multilingual learners who need such devices, and for other reasonable exceptions. Schools would also have to provide a way for parents to contact their children during the school day and vice versa. Policies could be in place and enforced starting with the 2026-27 school year. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education assists districts with guidance and model policies.