At the Statehouse, the senate debated a big change in the classroom. Public schools will ban students from using cell phones during the school day.

“Why wouldn’t we do this?” Senator Barry Finegold asked.

The law would take effect in the 2026-2027 school year and the state will mandate a “bell to bell” ban, including lunch and recess.

The state will develop a model policy, but school systems can adjust it to do what works best for them.

In Salem, which has not allowed cell phone use during school hours for years, the superintendent of schools says he hopes the bill becomes law.

“I think this is the right thing for any education anywhere,” Steve Zrike said, Superintendent of Salem Schools. “It has very significant impacts on student attendance, student’s sense of safety, issues around

See Full Page