Council Backs “Bell-to-Bell” Mobile Phone Policy in Boston Public Schools

In a move to address student well-being and academic performance, the Boston City Council passed a resolution supporting the development and implementation of a district-wide "bell-to-bell" policy for mobile phone use in Boston Public Schools at this week's Council Meeting. Such a policy aims to create distraction-free learning environments by limiting the use of personal devices during school hours uniformly across the district. Citing growing evidence, the Council highlighted risks of excessive phone and social media use, including decreased attention spans, increased depression and anxiety, and a rise in cyberbullying among adolescents, as well as significant reported benefits of phone-free policies in schools, including improvements in academic, social-emotional, and mental wellbeing.

The resolution follows a Council hearing held on August 12, regarding the impacts of social media and mobile phone usage on Boston Public Schools students, during which the Committee heard testimony from educators, experts, and students.

The resolution advocates for development of a policy that is fair, respectful, and free from bias, and that promotes restorative approaches for non-compliance. It also recognizes the need for exceptions, such as for students with certain disabilities, those requiring assistive technology, or in emergency situations, and to ensure alternative means of contact between families and students at all times. A supportive framework for implementation is encouraged to help students recognize the benefits of such a policy, rather than viewing it as a punishment.

To ensure a policy's success and community buy-in, the resolution encourages the Boston School Committee and BPS leadership to continue engaging with students, families, educators, and mental health experts. With many other states and schools already seeing positive results, such as improved grades, peer interactions, sense of belonging, and teacher morale, from similar policies, the resolution expresses the Council's support for proactive steps to invest in and protect the educational experience for BPS students.