State Senate approves legislation banning cell phones public schools
Speaker Ron Mariano Mariano, a former school teacher, has previously said he recognizes phones 'are a distraction in schools but also understands concerns raised by some parents worried about how to keep in contact with kids during emergencies,' according to a
Related
:
Advertisement
Supporters of the ban said curbing cell phone use by children and teens is needed to combat bullying and cyberbullying. Cutting down on screentime allows them to spend more time developing stronger personal relationships and community ties, advocates have said.
Advertisement
Excessive cellphone use has also been connected to adverse mental health outcomes, like depression, health experts have said.
State Senator John Keenan, a Quincy Democrat, told his colleagues student cell phone use also has contributed to their participation in online sports betting, and banning the devices would help cut down young people's access to sports betting during the day.
Keenan said a high school intern in his office showed him how easy it is for someone who is underage to access a sports betting platform.
The intern 'shared with us what many others have shared, and that is that sports betting is really running rampant among underage people, particularly in our schools,' Keenan said.
In 2024, Pew research
Lewis said 33 other states have laws or policies in place to ban, limit, or discourage cell phone use in schools. And roughly half of US states already ban cellphones in schools, he said, including New York, Florida, and Texas.
Several local districts, including Brockton, Fall River, Ipswich, Methuen, and Newton, already have rules in place restricting student use of cellphones.
The Senate bill carves out several exceptions to the ban for students, according to the measure. They include children who need devices as part of special education services; those who need it for medical reasons, like treating diabetes; and for students who need to leave school for internships or other off-campus programs where a cell phone is needed.
Advertisement
Schools must also have a method for parents and guardians to reach students, or for children to contact their parent or guardian.
The Senate bill would require schools to have policies in place before the start of the 2026-27 school year that block access to phones. The state's K-12 education department would also have to provide guidance to the schools and districts on the creation of such policies, according to the bill.
Health experts like former US surgeon general Vivek Murthy have warned heavy social media use by young people is associated with 'significant mental health harms,' and most users interact with those platforms on their phones.
Several local districts, including Brockton, Fall River, Ipswich, Methuen, and Newton, already have rules in place restricting student use of cellphones.
John Hilliard can be reached at
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Politico
5 minutes ago
- Politico
Trump-Schumer standoff heads for fall rematch
'Sooner or later, Donald Trump — Mr. 'Art of the Deal,' or so he claims — is going to have to learn that he has to work with Democrats if he wants to get deals, good deals, that help the American people,' Schumer said late Saturday night as the Senate prepared to leave town for the summer. 'Going at it alone will be a failed strategy.' Trump's decision to temporarily abandon his confirmations push rather than give in to what he called 'political extortion' from Schumer allowed the embattled Democratic leader to do a pre-recess victory lap after taking heat from the party base for months. Schumer came under fierce criticism in March for helping to advance a shutdown-avoiding spending bill written solely by Republicans. He warned at the time that a shutdown would only empower Trump and that the dynamic would be different come September as, he predicted, Trump became more unpopular. Nine other members of his caucus joined him. Trump initially urged Republicans to stay in Washington until all of the roughly 150 pending nominees were confirmed — a demand that could have essentially erased the Senate's planned four-week recess. But Schumer and Democrats demanded that Trump unfreeze congressionally approved spending in return for consenting to the swift approval of some nominees. Trump would not pay the price. In a post where he blasted 'Senator Cryin' Chuck Schumer,' Trump instructed senators to go home. Republicans flirted with adjourning the Senate to let Trump make recess appointments, but that would have required recalling the House — and reviving the Trump-centered drama over the Jeffrey Epstein files. Instead, they are vowing to pursue a rules change later this year to quickly push Trump's nominees through the Senate. Schumer relished the Truth Social post, putting a poster-sized version on display next to him as he spoke to reporters Saturday night and comparing it to a 'fit of rage.' He kept the heat on Monday, joining with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to demand a so-called 'four corners' meeting with Thune and Johnson to discuss a government funding strategy lest a government shutdown hit Oct. 1. (Republicans, who accuse Schumer of 'breaking' the funding process, haven't responded.) Though Schumer and Thune have had informal talks about September, they haven't delved beyond the broad strokes. The South Dakota Republican, asked about Trump and Schumer, predicted the two will have an 'evolving relationship.' 'At some point, obviously, there are certain things they are just going to have to figure out, because on some of these things where we need 60 [votes] there are going to have to be conversations,' Thune said in a brief interview.
Politico
11 minutes ago
- Politico
Trump and Schumer head for a high-stakes rematch
IN TODAY'S EDITION:— Shutdown deal hinges on Trump and Schumer— Jeffries calls for redistricting counterattack— GOP's megabill sales pitch meets early jeers The high-stakes battle to keep the federal government open past Sept. 30 will depend on two men coming to terms: Donald Trump and Chuck Schumer. If last week's clash is any indication, it won't be easy. As Jordain Carney reports, despite decades of history between the president and Senate minority leader, their relationship is now almost nonexistent. The pair haven't had a one-on-one meeting since Trump's second inauguration, nor did they speak directly as negotiations unraveled over a pre-summer-recess nominations package, according to two people granted anonymity. There's concern on Capitol Hill about what is to come in September when, inevitably, Schumer mulls a Democratic filibuster and Trump debates whether to sign any shutdown-averting bill. 'It would be better if those two negotiated,' Sen. Kevin Cramer said of the pair. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Cramer said, was left to act as 'arbitrator' ferrying between the 'bare-knuckled' New Yorkers. The failure of negotiations was fueled by the White House's hesitation to unfreeze congressionally approved spending in exchange for fast-tracking Trump's nominees. Democrats think the onus is on Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson to get Trump to come to the table in the looming shutdown talks. In closed-door caucus meetings, Democrats have been gaming out scenarios and discussing what demands to make in exchange for their votes to fund the government. Sen. Elissa Slotkin said at a town hall Monday she wouldn't vote for the funding bill in September unless Republicans 'do something to restore some of the cuts' related to health care included in the recently passed megabill. Thune acknowledges that direct negotiations between Trump and Schumer are going to be essential to any deal. 'At some point ... on some of these things where we need 60 [votes], there are going to have to be conversations,' he said in a brief interview. GOOD TUESDAY MORNING. Email us: crazor@ mmccarthy@ and bguggenheim@ THE LEADERSHIP SUITE Jeffries calls for 'extraordinary response' to Texas redistricting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Texas' attempt to redistrict an 'all hands on deck' moment for Democrats and showed his support for Democratic governors who are exploring new map options. 'This moment does require, you know, an extraordinary response because this is an extraordinary act,' Jeffries told CNN's Wolf Blitzer Monday. Jeffries said he appreciated the efforts of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who are discussing redistricting options in their states to counter the Texas GOP's redistricting plan, done at Trump's behest. Democrats in the Texas legislature fled the state over the weekend to blue states, including New York, in an attempt to block Republicans. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Democrats 'forfeited their seats' by leaving the state. Jeffries called Abbott's comments 'idle threats' and said he is 'all hat, no cattle.' 'It's an all-hands-on-deck moment for us,' Jeffries said. 'That means House Democrats, Senate Democrats, Democratic governors, Democratic members of the state legislature, Democratic attorney generals, but most importantly, the American people.' GOP's megabill sales pitch meets early jeers The House Republican push to sell Trump's megabill over August recess hit an early speed bump during Rep. Mike Flood's town hall Monday night. Flood endured loud boos during the Q&A at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after he deployed such GOP talking points as, 'If you choose not to work, you do not receive free health care,' and 'This bill protects Medicaid from the future.' Much of the pushback revolved around whether Republicans were willing to challenge any aspects of Trump's agenda. 'Who do you work for?' one audience member asked. The contentious town hall came after the state Democratic Party advertised the event on social media, encouraging attendees to ask about health care cuts. POLICY RUNDOWN RSC TO HOLD 'RECONCILIATION 2.0' BRIEFING — The House Republican Study Committee will host GOP staff Wednesday for a discussion on crafting a second megabill, according to an invite seen by Benjamin. The briefing will be held in-person, and aides will hear from leaders of the Economic Policy Innovation Center, a conservative think tank, including executive vice president Brittany Madni, director of budget policy Matthew Dickerson and senior analyst in fiscal policy David Ditch. The RSC kicked off its 'Reconciliation 2.0' working group last month to help develop recommendations for another party-line domestic policy package, which Republicans want to consider this fall. TREASURY NOMS HELD UP OVER GREEN CREDITS — Sens. Chuck Grassley and John Curtis have placed holds on three of Trump's Treasury nominees in protest of the administration's effort to curtail renewable energy projects, Kelsey Tamborrino and Josh Siegel report. They include the nominations of Brian Morrisey for general counsel, Francis Brooke for assistant secretary and Jonathan McKernan for undersecretary. It marks a significant escalation in efforts by some Senate Republicans to ensure that the administration adheres to more flexible guidelines around solar and wind tax credits. Trump issued an executive order in July that appeared to make it more difficult to access those credits — something members of the House Freedom Caucus demanded in exchange for their votes on the megabill. The credits were established by the Democrats' 2022 climate law but have been benefiting many red districts and states. Concerned senators have so far been unable to schedule meetings with administration officials to clarify the consequences of Trump's latest actions. CBO'S FINAL MEGABILL SCORE — The Congressional Budget Office estimates the megabill will increase the federal deficit by $4.1 trillion, Jennifer Scholtes reports. The legislation would increase interest payments on the federal debt by $718 billion over a decade — a considerable increase from the $440 billion the nonpartisan congressional scorekeeper estimated back in June. Republicans, however, have largely dismissed CBO's findings surrounding the massive tax and spending package, arguing the scores don't adequately consider economic growth juiced from the permanent extension of Trump's expiring tax cuts. Best of POLITICO Pro and E&E: THE BEST OF THE REST Democrats Plan to Spend Tens of Millions of Dollars to Fund Hundreds of Content Creators, from Nick Gilbertson at Breitbart Mitch McConnell's legacy comes under fire in Kentucky race to replace him in the Senate, from Bruce Schreiner at AP THE CARRYOUT Welcome back to your Inside Congress hosts' favorite recess activity: sharing lawmakers' Capitol Hill food recommendations. Rep. Greg Stanton said he's a fan of Longworth's chicken Caesar salad — just make sure to add jalapeños. He said it's his go-to on a fly-out day. What's your favorite fly-out day meal? Email us: mmccarthy@ and crazor@ CAMPAIGN STOP MACE IS IN — Rep. Nancy Mace has officially entered the South Carolina gubernatorial race. She joins a crowded GOP primary that includes fellow Rep. Ralph Norman, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and state Attorney General Alan Wilson, the son of Rep. Joe Wilson. AND SO IS DEREK DOOLEY — Former college football coach Derek Dooley entered the crowded Republican contest in Georgia for the chance to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff, Brakkton Booker reports. GOP Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter are already in the race. Several Georgia Republicans told Brakkton that Dooley is not well known within the state's political circles and was recruited by Gov. Brian Kemp. The son of the famous University of Georgia coach Vince Dooley, Derek previously coached at the University of Tennessee and Louisiana Tech. MUSK-BACKED GROUP PROMOTES MEGABILL — Building America's Future, a dark-money group that has been supported by Elon Musk, is shelling out more than $1 million to promote White House wins including the megabill, Gregory Svirnovskiy reports. The group doesn't agree with Musk's characterization of the bill as 'a disgusting abomination.' The Tesla CEO promised to fund primary challenges to Republicans who supported it. Generra Peck, a senior adviser to the group, said 'we could not be more proud to stand with an administration and GOP Congress that is truly building a brighter future for America.' CAPITOL HILL INFLUENCE The Information Technology Industry Council is beefing up its lobbying team with a pair of former Republican Hill aides, POLITICO Influence reports. Stephanie Patel, a former staffer for the Senate Commerce Committee, and Noah Barger, former deputy chief of staff to Rep. Mike Bost, will be directors of government affairs for the trade association, whose members include Google, Apple, Amazon, Anthropic, Intel, Adobe, Microsoft and Meta. JOB BOARD The Center for Strategic and International Studies is launching a new cyber task force to be led by Josh Stiefel, a former professional staff member with the House Armed Services Committee. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ryan Wrasse of Thune's office (4-0) … former Rep. Mike Doyle … Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón … Blake Masters … Nick Raineri … Crooked Media's Matt Berg … Kristofer Eisenla … Boston Globe's Jim Puzzanghera … Meta's Monique Dorsainvil … Cicely Simpson … Molly Donlin of Regent Strategies … Caroline Ehlich … Mark Brunner of PsiQuantum … Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg of Public Private Strategies TRIVIA MONDAY'S ANSWER: Frank Gallegos correctly answered that Theodore Roosevelt was the first U.S. president to fly in a plane. TODAY'S QUESTION, from Mia: Who was the first president to fly in a plane while serving as president? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Inside Congress. Send your answers to insidecongress@
USA Today
34 minutes ago
- USA Today
Texas Democrats look bad in redistricting fight. Republicans look even worse.
It's obvious that Republicans' bid to redraw Texas' congressional districts, which were approved in 2021, is a raw power grab. I guess it's too much to ask for my home state of Texas to make national news for something that's cool or influential. It's not often that I side with neither Republicans nor Democrats in Texas. But the redistricting debacle making national news is one of those times. I don't know what's worse: That Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to remove House Democrats from office if they didn't return to the Capitol on Aug. 4. That the Texas House on Aug. 4 passed a motion allowing Speaker Dustin Burrows to issue arrest warrants for Democrats who skipped the legislative session. That Democrats in the state House fled Texas for Illinois and New York to prevent the legislature from voting on new congressional district maps. Or that House Republicans, in a bizarre power grab, are trying to redraw congressional maps to ensure that the GOP has an even stronger hold on the state and a better chance of retaining the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections. Is this the wild West? The chaos in Texas now threatens to spread to other states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said they will consider redrawing maps to heavily favor the political party in power in their state. Where will the madness end? Democrats fleeing Texas is not a good look It's a challenge to be a Democratic politician in Texas. They are vastly outnumbered, and those who do hold office have little power. I understand why Democrats are angry. Texas was historically a Democratic stronghold. But Republicans have held the governor's office for the past 30 years and controlled the state legislature for more than two decades. Not a single Democrat serves in statewide office now. Every few years, progressives and the news media champion a Democratic savior who is supposed to be the one to finally turn Texas blue. But candidates like Beto O'Rourke fail repeatedly. Now, along come Texas Republicans trying to gerrymander themselves to even more power. Still, the Democratic leaders fleeing Texas for Illinois and New York are hurting their party's image in our state. Opinion: Democrats have devolved into a clown show. No wonder polls show voters prefer GOP. In a post on X, Rep. Ann Johnson, a Democrat from Houston, tried to make her fellow lawmakers' cowardly retreat noble. "They're willing to break the law to cling to power," Johnson wrote. "We're willing to break quorum to protect it. We don't stand by. We stand up." "We stand up" by fleeing the state is not the winning message that she thinks it is. Texas House Republicans are engaged in a power grab As bad as House Democrats look, however, I have a bigger complaint about Republican legislators. GOP lawmakers have admitted that they are redrawing congressional districts to help Republicans gain even more power. 'Different from everyone else, I'm telling you, I'm not beating around the bush,' Corpus Christi Republican Rep. Todd Hunter, who authored the redistricting bill, said in a hearing. 'We have five new districts, and these five new districts are based on political performance.' I appreciate Hunter's honesty. It's obvious that Republicans' bid to redraw the congressional districts, which were approved in 2021, is a raw power grab. It's unethical and unnecessary. Republicans have reshaped politics and policy in the state over the past 30 years. Voters have given them that power because they have grown the economy and protected our freedoms. Opinion: GDP soars and Trump's economy roars. Liberals still won't give him credit. I love living in Texas because the state's culture matches my conservative values. It's full of history, beauty and gun-carrying, freedom-loving, patriotic men and women. And that's exactly how we convert all those expats from California to become conservatives ‒ through our values, policies and way of life. Not through stupid redistricting efforts that create a national spectacle. I hope the next time Texas makes national news it's because the Dallas Cowboys are ready to win the Super Bowl. Nicole Russell is a columnist at USA TODAY and a mother of four who lives in Texas. Contact her at nrussell@ and follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @russell_nm. Sign up for her weekly newsletter, The Right Track, here.
