Joint Statement on Cell Phone-Free Schools Legislation

(BOSTON—7/8/2025) Today, Senate President Karen E. Spilka and Senator Jason M. Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education, made the below statement regarding today's Joint Education Committee poll to advance legislation that would make Massachusetts schools cell phone-free.  The legislation is a redraft incorporating seven Senate bills.

"Today’s action means that Massachusetts is one step closer to making schools cell phone-free.

The cell phone is one of the most distracting devices ever created. Overwhelming evidence shows us that cell phones are major barriers to student growth and achievement in the classroom, and they make it harder for our talented educators to teach.

As legislators, neighbors, and parents, it is incumbent upon us to ensure classrooms are places where young people focus, learn, and thrive. We look forward to seeing the bill's continued progress as it moves to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means."

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