NH school cellphone ban law isn't new in Somersworth

SOMERSWORTH — Somersworth schools banned cellphones last year, so they are ahead of the game. But School Board members on Aug. 26 still had a discussion on what the new state law requiring a bell-to-bell ban on phones means and if they would need to make any changes.

All school officials in New Hampshire are taking steps to help their districts implement the new state law banning cell phones in all schools during class time.

Somersworth officials have said their ban was intended to foster a better learning environment for all students.

That is also the listed intent of the new state law.

"I'm incredibly proud that our classrooms are phone-free," said Somersworth School Board Chair Maggie Larson, in an interview in January. "This creates classroom environments where everyone can focus