Mass. lags behind other states on student cellphone use restrictions

[Music] Now to a question many are asking. Should students be allowed to use their cell phones at school? Many states have already banned cell phones in just the last couple of weeks. 22 News state house reporter Olivia Ray has our lawmakers opinions on limiting screen time during the school day. Bay state lawmakers are calling for legislation that would limit student phone usage during the school day. Ever since the inception of smartphones and social media, parents and lawmakers alike have expressed concern about the negative impact they're having on children's mental health. Now, there are concerns that constant access to cell phones is hindering students ability to learn in school settings, leading the Bay State to consider partial or full bans on phones in schools. Governor Healey has voiced support for exploring bans, saying, quote, I think it has a really negative effect on kids mental health. It's distracting and it takes away from the important learning process and actual socialization process. While Massachusetts is typically ahead of the curve in passing more progressive laws, 21 states already have restrictions on student cell phone usage. Some states, including New York, Alabama, and Oklahoma, have bell-to-bell bans prohibiting all cell phone usage in schools. These bans are supported by lockable pouches and other methods of collecting cell phones. Opposition to these bans cites concerns that parents would not be able to reach their students in the event of an emergency at home. Concerns have also been raised about students who have medical conditions like diabetes who rely on smartphones to keep them updated on their blood sugar levels and other crucial metrics. Three bills regarding cell phone usage bans are before the Massachusetts Committee on Education. and leadership says they will hold hearings to consider the pros and cons of bans and find a solution that works for the Bay State. Working for you from the state house in Boston.