School committee adopts stricter cell phone policy and adds smartwatches to restrictions

The Concord Carlisle Regional School District School Committee adopted a revised student cell phone policy that tightens language on in-school access and explicitly covers smartwatches.

Committee member Carrie proposed strengthening the draft policy language: replace the permissive phrase "students may not use/display/access their cell phones during these hours while on campus" with "students must not be able to access their cell phones during these hours while on campus." Carrie said she believed the wording change would give the policy more "teeth" for implementation. The committee also debated whether to extend the prohibition to wrist-worn smart devices and ultimately amended the policy to include smartwatches; committee members noted enforcement and operational questions but said the device restriction could and should be applied in school settings.

Speakers referenced pending state legislation and Representative Simon Cataldo's efforts to advance a statewide bill. Committee members and administrators discussed enforcement mechanics (examples included requiring devices remain in backpacks during school hours and allowing use only on buses) and agreed administrators would determine specific site-level procedures. The motion to approve the "Concord Public Schools student cell phone and smartwatch use policy, as amended this evening," was moved and seconded and passed on a voice vote.

The committee asked administration to circulate the final policy text, attach it to the agenda packet, and prepare guidance for principals on enforcement and communications to families.