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School committee refers state "bell-to-bell" cell-phone ban to superintendent for guidance
Summary
Members discussed recent state-level action on a proposed bell-to-bell cell-phone ban for public schools and voted to refer the matter to the superintendent for follow-up and implementation guidance if the legislation passes.
The Everett School Committee on Aug. 25 discussed pending state legislation that would require public schools to implement a bell-to-bell ban on personal devices and voted to refer the matter to the superintendent for follow-up.
Ms. Babcock, who offered the agenda item, said the proposed law would prohibit student use of personal devices during the school day, including lunch and recess, beginning in the 2026–27 school year. “It means from the moment that schools start, the phone would be put away,” she said.
Superintendent (Mr. Hart) told the committee the Senate approved a version of a cell-phone ban and that the measure had been referred to the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee; he said the governor has signaled support for some version of a ban. Hart said the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) would issue implementation guidance if the law passes and described prior local pilots considered by the district, such as a classroom “pouch” system that temporarily stores phones.
School Committee member Mr. Barrows said legislators and DESE officials are discussing whether the agency should set regulations governing implementation because local districts face competing views from parents and staff about access and enforcement.
The committee voted unanimously (9–0) to refer the item to the superintendent for monitoring and a future report.
Why it matters: A statewide bell-to-bell ban would require district-level policy, operational decisions (e.g., storage, enforcement, exceptions for medical reasons) and family communication. The superintendent will report back with recommended approaches and any DESE guidance if legislation passes.
