Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has introduced legislation that would ban cellphones and other personal electronic devices during school hours

By Victoria D

January 17, 2025 / 11:32 AM EST / CBS Boston

BOSTON - Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has introduced legislation that would ban cellphones and other personal electronic devices during school hours.

"Bell to bell" restriction on cellphones

The Safe Technology Use and Distraction-free education Youth or "STUDY Act" was introduced by Campbell, along with Sen. Julian Cyr, Rep. Alice Hanlon Peisch and Rep. Kate Kipper-Garabedian. The STUDY Act would implement a "bell to bell" restriction on cellphones at school "to improve the overall learning environment and school culture."

If the bill becomes law, schools would have to have policies that prevent students from accessing their phones while class is in session.

Bill proposes standards for social media companies

The bill also calls on social media companies to keep young people safe through age verification systems, special settings for minor users to limit prolonged engagement, and regular warnings about the negative effects of social media.

Additionally, it would require schools to have a policy educating students about the harms of social media use.

Read the full article here: https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/cellphone-ban-schools-massachusetts/