Revere Board holds first reading of tighter student cell‑phone policy after state law deadline

Revere Local Board of Education members heard a first reading March 18 of a revised student cell‑phone policy required under recently passed state law, with administrators urging limits on phone use during the school day while students and some parents urged more flexible options.

The proposed policy, presented by Superintendent Mr. White, responded to a state mandate that districts adopt a policy by July 1, 2025. White said the intent is to minimize in‑school phone use to reduce distractions, cyberbullying and social‑media drama and to increase engagement: "It is because of the state law that was passed that we have to have a policy in place by 07/01/2025," he told the board.

Board members were presented the policy rationale, details and implementation timeline; the board will take a second reading next month and, if approved, implement the policy for the 2025–26 school year. Students from Revere High School spoke during public comment, reporting widespread opposition and proposing alternatives such as classroom phone caddies.

Details of the proposal and administration guidance

White said the draft aims to limit phone use "as little as possible" during instructional time and clarified how the district plans to treat…