WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 424

An Act to regulate the use of mobile communication devices in educational institutions

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Montigny and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill regulates student mobile device use in schools through statewide standards balancing classroom focus against emergency access and educational technology benefits.

Accompanied a new draft, see S2549
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 424

Legislative bill overview

S 424 proposes to regulate the use of mobile communication devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) within Massachusetts educational institutions, from K-12 through higher education. The bill aims to establish statewide standards for when and how students can use these devices during the school day, potentially restricting access during instructional time while allowing use during designated periods.

Why is this important

Mobile device use in schools has become a contentious issue balancing educational outcomes against student autonomy and emergency communication needs. Research shows mixed results on academic impact, but device restrictions are increasingly popular among educators and parents concerned about classroom distraction, mental health, and social interaction. Any statewide policy will affect hundreds of thousands of students and thousands of schools with varying technological infrastructure and pedagogical approaches.

Potential points of contention

  • Academic freedom vs. restriction: Debate over whether schools or individual educators should determine device policies, and whether blanket restrictions limit beneficial educational technology use
  • Equity and access concerns: Risk that restrictions disproportionately affect students who rely on devices for learning accommodations, translation services, or home connectivity
  • Implementation burden: Unclear enforcement mechanisms and costs for schools to monitor compliance, plus varying capacity across wealthy and under-resourced districts
  • Emergency communication: Tension between restricting devices and maintaining parent-student contact during emergencies or health crises

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

Sign in to ask a question.