Maine Implements Statewide Bell-to-Bell Cellphone Ban in K-12 Schools

A single paragraph added to the state’s supplemental budget in April mandates that all public K-12 schools ban cellphones and other internet-connected devices from “starting bell to dismissal bell,” with medical exceptions. The law, championed by Governor Janet Mills, makes Maine the 23rd state to enforce a statewide bell-to-bell ban, according to Emily Rapp, director of public policy for the Institute for Families and Technology. Smart watches are also covered, though they are harder for teachers to police.

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Teachers across the state report noticeable changes. Eric Hutchins, a graphic-arts teacher at Bangor High School, says students are now “much more attentive” and that the new lock-box procedure saves five minutes per class. Andrew McCullough, an environmental-science teacher at Brunswick High School, describes the atmosphere as a “breath of fresh air,” noting that students are more talkative in hallways and less anxious about checking phones. Discipline for phone violations has been tightened: first offenses receive a warning, repeated offenses trigger parent meetings, yet as of mid-October no student in Brunswick had required such a meeting. Bangor High School recorded only two or three infractions by early October, according to department spokesperson Raymond Phinney.

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Senior Jonathan Bisson initially panicked when his phone box would not open, but quickly adapted, stating his phone “left my mind.” He now feels less reliant on his device and reports that many classmates who opposed the ban last year now support it.

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Principal Jeff Lovejoy of Belfast Area High School acknowledges that some students will inevitably evade the rule in bathrooms, but emphasizes that phones are required to be powered off and out of sight. He also cites a recent incident involving anonymous bullying in a school-issued Chromebook chatroom as evidence that broader technology policies are needed. School districts report that the clear legal mandate has made enforcement easier and that overall classroom instruction is less disrupted by phones.

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• “My phone left my mind, and I didn’t really think about not having it,” — Jonathan Bisson

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• “The failure to adhere to the actual rules eroded people’s faith in them last year, and we’re getting some of that back now,” — Jonathan Bisson

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• “My default position is supporting whatever needs to happen so the classroom can be effective at what it’s supposed to do,” — Andy Badeaux, a father of two students at Brunswick High School

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