The conversation around limiting or completely prohibiting the use of mobile phones by students in public schools during academic hours has escalated recently, with Andrea Campbell, the Attorney General of Massachusetts, advocating for a complete prohibition on mobile usage from first to last bell. Concurrently, Karen Spilka, the State Senate President, proposed a total ban on these devices during school time.
Various school districts in Massachusetts are implementing policies concerning the usage of mobile phones, with New Bedford as a notable example. However, this move has invoked worries among certain parents, who fear they might not be able to reach their children in a time of need, and similarly, the students might lose their way of reaching out to their parents in case of an emergency.
Proponents of rigorous restrictions on mobile phone usage argue that these devices are a source of distraction and provide an avenue for students to engage in dishonest practices such as cheating on tests. Reflecting this stance, John Keenan, the State Senator of Quincy, shared during a recent legislative committee meeting that experts equate screen time with ‘digital drug’.
State Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler expressed on Tuesday his ‘solid backing’ for a legislation (H 666 / S 335), a proposal that would necessitate public schools in Massachusetts to prevent students from using mobile phones and other sophisticated devices throughout the school day. Additionally, the legislation aims to introduce substantial new regulations regarding social media use by young people, extending its coverage to home environments.
Tutwiler stated that the consensus among parents, guardians, students, educators, and ‘school administrators across the state’ is that mobile phones are not simply a disruptive element, but are ‘leading to an increase in stress, depression, and lack of engagement among students.’
Ballotpedia has documented that as of May 14, ‘Twenty states have either banned or put restrictions on the use of mobile phones in K-12 classrooms. In 2025 alone, at least 11 states have imposed restrictions or outright bans on cell phone usage.’