MASS. STATE HOUSE — The Massachusetts Senate approved a bill on Thursday that would ban the use of cell phones in schools across the state starting next year, including in Westford.
Bill S.2561, which was drafted by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, passed with a 38-2 vote Thursday afternoon. The bill would require school districts to prohibit students from using their cell phones during the school day, aiming to improve students’ focus in the classroom and positively impact their mental health, while creating a healthy learning environment.
The bill would require all public school districts in Massachusetts to adopt a cell phone-free school policy by fall 2026.
However, the bill also states that reasonable exceptions would be made for students who require cell phones for treating medical conditions, off-campus travel requirements, individualized education plans (IEP), or to accommodate a disability. The bill states that school 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,” Senate President Karen Spilka said in a statement. “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.”
Among the 38 senators who voted in favor of the bill was Sen. John Cronin, who represents the Worcester and Middlesex district, including Westford. Cronin is also a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
“For more than a decade classroom achievement has fallen and anxiety and depression has increased for students,” Cronin told WestfordCAT after the vote. “Phone free schools are not a silver bullet to solve both these complex problems, but an important recognition of the harmful unintended consequences of cell phones in schools. This legislation will eliminate distractions from the classroom, improve mental health, and allow teachers and students to better focus on education during the school day.”
Some senators who support the bill point to surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center, which show that 72% of high school teachers report that cell phone distractions are a major problem in the classroom. The surveys also report that 68% of U.S. adults are in support of banning personal electronic use in the classroom. Additionally, research from KKF shows a rising number of states implementing classroom cell phone bans to address youth mental health issues and eliminate academic distractions.
The two senators to vote against the bill were Sen. Kelly Dooner, who represents the 3rd Bristol and Plymouth district, and Sen. Ryan Fattman, who represents the Worcester and Norfolk district.
When asked if he faced any opposition from his constituents for voting in favor of the bill, Cronin told WestfordCAT “I understand parents’ concerns about being able to stay in touch with their kids. That’s why the Senate’s bill mandates that schools’ individual plans include a way for parents to contact their children during the school day. The bill also includes medical exceptions. This legislation isn’t about taking anything away from families. It’s about ensuring that kids have an environment free of unnecessary distractions so that they can learn, socialize, and grow.”
Following its approval by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for approval. If approved by the House, the bill will be sent to Gov. Maura Healey, who then has the ability to sign it into law.
Healey has previously said she would support a statewide ban on cell phone use by students in public schools. “We know that distraction-free learning is the best way to set our students up for success,” Healey said in a statement on July 9. “Restricting cellphone use in our schools will support parents and teachers, protect the mental health of young people, and help our students learn and grow.”
