MA senate passes bill to ban cell phone use in schools

At the Statehouse the senate is debating a big change in the classroom They want general schools to ban students from using cell phones during the school day Why wouldn t we do this Senator Barry Finegold sought The law would take effect in the - school year and the state will mandate a bell to bell ban including lunch and recess The state will develop a model agenda 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 learning anywhere Steve Zrike stated Superintendent of Salem Schools It has very vital impacts on scholar attendance novice s sense of safety issues around discipline levels of engagement in classrooms and ultimately I think it has great outcomes for young people Senator Jason Lewis says research has shown a pupil s classroom performance can increase by a full letter grade and a half after his or her classroom becomes a no cell zone Multiple students have linked cell phone use with worse mental robustness less physical activity poorer sleep lower grades more disruptive classroom behavior and decreased self esteem Lewis noted The bill contains several exceptions including students with documented disabilities kids with diagnostic conditions like diabetes who use their smartphones to monitor blood sugar levels and students who may need to progress off campus for internships or other exercises would be able to use their phones It has widespread aid in the legislature Particular believe it will help improve students mental robustness