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SD 2496

An Act to promote phone free schools

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Cronin and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill restricts student phone access during school hours to improve focus and classroom behavior, though enforcement and emergency access raise practical concerns.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2496

Legislative bill overview

SD 2496 seeks to establish policies restricting student phone use during school hours in Massachusetts. The bill aims to create a phone-free educational environment by limiting access to personal mobile devices during the instructional day.

Why is this important

Student phone use during school has been linked to reduced academic performance, classroom disruption, and mental health concerns, making this a policy priority for many educators and parents. Implementation could affect learning outcomes, student behavior, school safety protocols, and how districts manage technology in classrooms across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement mechanisms and equity: Schools may struggle to enforce uniform policies fairly across socioeconomic backgrounds, and exceptions for low-income students who rely on phones for transportation or family contact could create inconsistent application.
  • Emergency access and safety concerns: Restricting phone access could impede emergency communication during medical incidents, mental health crises, or active threats, raising questions about when and how devices should be accessible.
  • Implementation costs and district autonomy: The bill's requirements for phone storage systems, monitoring, and policy development may impose costs on districts with varying budgets, and mandates could override existing school-specific approaches that stakeholders support.

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

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