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SD 654

An Act promoting safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nick Collins and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishing rules for student device use and distraction-free classrooms by restricting technology access during instruction; referred to Education Committee February 2025.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 654

Legislative bill overview

SD 654 would establish regulations and policies to promote safe technology use among youth and create distraction-free educational environments in Massachusetts schools. The bill aims to address concerns about student device usage, digital wellness, and classroom focus by potentially restricting or managing how technology is used during instructional time.

Why is this important

Student smartphone and device usage during school hours has been linked to reduced academic performance, attention problems, and mental health concerns in multiple studies. Schools nationwide are grappling with how to balance educational technology benefits against documented distraction harms, making this a pressing policy question affecting hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts students daily.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of restrictions: Unclear whether the bill would ban phones entirely, limit specific apps, or implement time-based restrictions—each approach has different practical and equity implications for students with different needs
  • Accessibility concerns: Students with disabilities, health conditions, or those needing accommodations (emergency contact, glucose monitoring) may face unintended barriers if restrictions are too broad
  • Implementation burden: Schools would bear costs for enforcement mechanisms, and defining "distraction-free" across diverse classroom contexts (STEM labs vs. English classes) creates compliance challenges
  • Parental communication: Parents relying on contacting students during emergencies may oppose phone restrictions during school hours

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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