AFT Massachusetts: Senate Passes Common-Sense Approach to Ensure Distraction-Free Learning for All Students (July 31, 2025).
The American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts released the following statement in response to legislation passed by the Massachusetts Senate today to address cell phone use in schools:
“Technology is a transformational tool in education, from allowing us to foster collaboration on a completely different level to making countless materials and resources available at our fingertips, allowing us to expand the horizons of our students in unprecedented ways. But, it’s becoming harder to keep our students engaged as educators are forced to compete for their attention with the looming distraction of cell phones and social media.
“Every child deserves to have a learning experience free of distraction and negative influence, but the use of technology in schools cannot be solved and monitored by educators alone.
“The legislation passed by the Senate today takes a common-sense approach, providing our schools with the tools and guidance they need to create cell-phone free learning environments in a way that works best for their students and educators.
“Just as it provides flexibility to our communities, it takes into account that assistive technology plays a crucial role in the education of some students, including those with special needs and English language learners. It ensures we are able to provide distraction-free learning environments while protecting the resources our students need to learn and reach their full potential.”