Maine Adopts a Bell-to-Bell Ban on Cellphones in Schools

Governor Janet Mills visited Westbrook High School to celebrate the new ban on student cellphones during school hours.

Governor Janet Mills Celebrates Maine's Student Cellphone Ban

The measure that the Governor detailed in her State of the State Address in January was signed into law as part of the supplemental budget last month.

This week, the Governor visited Westbrook High School for a ceremonial signing of the landmark budget provision.

Mills says the measure will allow teachers and students to put down their phones and move toward more face-to-face encounters.

Students socializing together instead of endlessly scrolling alone, building a strong community instead of basing their self-esteem on social media, spending time on learning, not struggling to let go of an addictive phone - that's what getting cell phones out of our classrooms will do.

The supplemental budget, enacted in April, provides support to help districts not yet participating in the initiative to implement the policy for the upcoming school year.

Maine School Districts Will Determine How the Law is Enacted for Their Students

How the law is enacted will be up to each school district, but the main thread will be no use of cellphones or wearable devices, like smart watches, during school hours, including at lunchtime.

Some schools may opt to require the devices be kept in student lockers, handed in at the beginning of the day, or secured in locked pouches.

Maine Schools Will Make Exceptions in the Cellphone Ban for Some Students

There will be some exceptions made, for students with medical conditions that require monitoring or who are on specialized learning plans.

Students and parents should check with their school administrators for the district's handling of the ban.