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URGENT ACTION REQUESTED - An act to promote student learning and mental health (MA) (Phone Free Schools)
S.2581 requires all Massachusetts public K–12 schools to adopt and enforce policies banning student use and possession of personal electronic devices (including phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and Bluetooth devices) during the school day and during school-sponsored activities within the school day. School-issued devices for legitimate educational purposes are excluded)
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Support S.2561 for Phone-Free Schools in Massachusetts
Action TemplateSubject: Support S.2561 for Phone-Free Schools in Massachusetts
Dear [Representative’s Name],
As a constituent and [parent/educator/community member] in your district, I strongly support An Act to Promote Student Learning and Mental Health, recently passed by the Massachusetts Senate. This bill would require all public K–12 schools to implement phone-free policies during the school day by the 2026–2027 school year, with reasonable exceptions for students with disabilities or medical needs.
Our children deserve classrooms that prioritize face-to-face learning, mental health, and engagement with teachers and peers. Too often, personal devices undermine focus, increase stress, and reduce meaningful social interaction. By establishing consistent, statewide guidelines, this bill will help all schools create healthier learning environments.
I urge you to:
Support the bill in the House, and
Encourage House leadership—especially Majority Leader Mariano—to bring it to the floor for a vote.
Massachusetts has the opportunity to lead the nation in putting student well-being first. Please make this legislation a priority.
Thank you for your leadership,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
S.2561 - Our Kids Need Phone-Free Schools—Please Act Now
Action TemplateDear [Representative’s Name],
I’m writing as a concerned [parent/educator/community member] to urge you to support An Act to Promote Student Learning and Mental Health and help bring it to the House floor for a vote.
This bill—already passed by the Massachusetts Senate—has broad support from parents, educators, mental health professionals, and even technology companies. We all recognize the same truth: unrestricted cell phone use during the school day is harming our kids’ focus, social skills, and mental health.
The legislation provides a balanced approach—“bell-to-bell” phone-free learning, with reasonable exceptions for students with disabilities, IEPs, and medical needs. It empowers schools to create focused, connected classrooms where teachers can teach and students can learn without constant digital distraction.
Massachusetts has the chance to lead the way in protecting our children’s well-being and improving learning outcomes. Please join the many voices calling for change by supporting this bill and urging House leadership, including Majority Leader Mariano, to bring it to the floor without delay.
Our kids are counting on us to get this right.
With appreciation,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Please Support Phone-Free Schools (S.2561)
Action TemplateSubject: Please Support Phone-Free Schools (S.2561)
Dear [Representative’s Name],
I’m writing as a constituent to urge you to support An Act to Promote Student Learning and Mental Health and encourage House leadership to bring it to a vote.
This bill would require Massachusetts public schools to adopt cell phone-free policies during the school day, helping to reduce distractions, improve mental health, and strengthen student engagement. The Senate has already passed it, and I believe it’s a vital step toward creating a healthier, more focused learning environment for our children.
Please support this legislation and advocate for its swift passage in the House.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Why This Action Matters
Senate Passes Legislation to Make Schools Cell Phone-Free
The Massachusetts Senate has passed An Act to Promote Student Learning and Mental Health, which would require all public K–12 schools to ban student use of personal electronic devices during the school day by the 2026–2027 school year. The bill’s goal is to reduce distractions, improve mental health, and keep the focus on learning.
- Scope: Applies to all public K–12 schools statewide.
- Exceptions: Allowed for students with IEPs, disabilities, or medical needs (e.g., glucose monitoring).
- Communication: Parents can still reach students via the school’s main office.
- Implementation: DESE will provide guidance and a model policy, with flexibility for districts.
- Support: Backed by parents, teachers, and lawmakers who see it as a way to boost well-being and academics.