Maine Students Now Required to Put Away Cellphones for Entire School Day

A new statewide law requiring Maine students to put away their cellphones for the entire school day is now in effect.

According to WGME, the “Bell-to-Bell No Cell” law began August 1 and applies to every public school in the state. It prohibits students from using cellphones, smartwatches and other personal internet-connected devices from the morning bell through dismissal.

Lewiston Superintendent Jake Langlais said the policy is intended to reduce distractions and keep students focused on learning.

“Yes, it’s the law, but the goal is that while we’re at school, we are here to learn, and it’s disruptive to be on your phone,” Langlais said.

The news station reported that Governor Janet Mills signed the requirement into law as part of Maine’s supplemental budget. She has said a statewide approach will help students remain engaged while allowing teachers to spend more time teaching.

Some Maine schools already had similar rules in place. Lewiston, for example, already prohibited cellphone use for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The new law expands the restriction to all grade levels and creates a consistent statewide standard.

Langlais said consistent enforcement will be important so students do not encounter different rules from classroom to classroom.

The law includes limited exceptions. Students may use devices when required by an individualized education program, a Section 504 accommodation, a documented medical need or, in certain situations, for language translation support, the news station reported.

Maine joins more than 20 states that have adopted bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions in public schools.