Governor Healey Supports Cellphone Ban in Schools

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey is today calling for a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in public schools with options for parents to contact their children during the school day.

“We know that distraction-free learning is the best way to set our students up for success. Restricting cellphone use in our schools will support parents and teachers, protect the mental health of young people, and help our students learn and grow,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful for the leadership of Attorney General Campbell, Senate President Spilka, Chair Lewis, Secretary Tutwiler and the Massachusetts Teachers Association on this issue. I hope the Legislature will send me a bill that implements a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones and similarly distracting devices at school. This new policy should be developed in close partnership with parents and must provide ways for them to get in touch with their children during the school day.”

As a former Attorney General, Governor Healey investigated social media companies - including Facebook and Instagram - for targeting young people and hurting their physical and mental health.