A letter will be sent home in students first day packets regarding the following information:
House Passes Bill to Protect Children from Social Media, Prohibit Cell Phones in Schools
April 8, 2026
Requirements for School Districts
Must implement a policy prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices as determined by the School Committee. Districts must implement the policy during the school-day and during school sponsored activities occurring during the school-day. Districts must also notify parents of said policy and ensure that parents still have the ability to contact their children during the school day and vice versa. This prohibition can be put into effect by way of:
Secure storage of personal electronic devices
The use of technology that renders personal electronic devices inoperable
Other methods, which will require the approval of DESE
Must file their policy annually, no later than September 1st, to DESE.
Districts must make accommodations and exceptions as necessary, including for students with: IEPs or disabilities that require the use of personal electronic devices; documented medical needs, including to treat or monitor a health condition; language access and translation needs, as authorized by the superintendent or a designee. Accommodations and exceptions must also be made in the event of an emergency.