Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation or executive orders that ban or restrict cell phone use in schools. Massachusetts may soon be added to that list.
On August 31, the Massachusetts Senate passed Bill S.2561, which would prohibit students from using personal electronic devices (PEDs) during the school day. The bill allows individual public schools to develop their own policies if they ensure “secure storage of personal electronic devices during the school day.” The bill was referred to a House committee, where it awaits a vote. The high school is in a holding period until the bill is voted on.
Dean Summer Williams said high school administrators have not had many formal conversations regarding the state-level bill, and that they are waiting for a decision to be made…