August 1, 2025 |Education, LCTV News, Legislation, News, State of MA

Senate Passes Legislation to Make Schools Cell Phone-Free

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Bill removes ‘greatest distraction device ever created’ from classrooms, keeps students focused on learning

The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation on Thursday to create cell phone-free schools across the Commonwealth. By requiring school districts to prohibit student cell phone use during the school day, the bill aims to boost focus, improve mental health, and foster healthier learning environments.

S.2561, An Act to promote student learning and mental health, requires all public school districts to adopt cell phone-free school policies by fall 2026. Reasonable exceptions to the rule will be made for students who need their personal devices for treating medical conditions, off-campus travel requirements, individualized education plans (IEP), or to accommodate a disability. Districts must ensure that students and caregivers have at least one method of communication during school hours and that students and families can communicate during emergency situations.

“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 E. 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. I am deeply grateful to Chair Lewis and Chair Rodrigues for their leadership on this bill, and each of the Senators who have contributed to addressing this challenge.”

“As one of the original sponsors of phone-free school legislation, I’m proud to have voted in support of this bill that will protect students from the harmful impacts of cell phone use during school. There is strong evidence that a ‘bell to bell’ ban improves academic performance and has benefits for mental health and social development. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership in prioritizing this issue, and thank you to all of the parents, students, teachers, local officials, and stakeholders who collaborated on this impactful legislation.”

Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn)

To guide districts in crafting these policies, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will create model guidelines within 180 days of the enactment of the law. Districts will have the freedom to decide what works best for them, whether they decide on using pouches, lockers, or other storage options for electronic devices. Districts will also have the ability to adjust rules based on grade levels or the structures of their school days.

According to Pew Research Center, surveys have shown that 72 per cent of high school teachers report that cellphone distractions are a major problem in the classroom. The survey also reports that 68 percent of U.S. adults are in support of banning personal electronic use in the classroom, demonstrating the strong public approval of this bill. Research from KKF demonstrates a rising number of states implementing classroom cellphone bans to address youth mental health issues and eliminate academic distractions.

Approximately 80 school districts have already reported, through a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education pilot grant, that they have implemented student cell phone use policies, with even more districts likely putting similar measures in place outside of the grant program. Additionally, numerous states have enacted statewide bans or restrictions on cellphone use in schools, with another seven states having issued policies aimed at limiting student electronic use.

Each district will be required to notify families of their policy each year by September 1, beginning in 2026, and submit annual updates of their district’s current policy with DESE. DESE will then provide an initial report of implementation to the Legislature at the end of 2027.

Having passed the Senate, the bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The above press release was submitted to us by Office of Senator Brendan Crighton