Overview
- The MassINC Polling Group found 66% of parents support a bell-to-bell restriction on phones and smartwatches, including 44% who strongly support it.
- The survey of 1,351 K–12 parents, including about 890 with children in grades 6–12, was conducted Oct. 21–Nov. 12 for The Education Trust.
- Nearly 90% of older students reportedly have a device, 63% of parents want a way to reach their children during school, and about half want details on exceptions and procedures.
- The Senate passed S 2561 in July for implementation in 2026–27, with medical and IEP exemptions and a requirement that schools provide parent-contact methods, and House leaders have recently signaled interest in taking it up.
- Research on Florida’s 2023 ban found modest test-score gains over time after an initial roughly 25% rise in suspensions, a pattern raising equity and enforcement questions for Massachusetts.