School Cell Phone Ban Bill Passed

A bill to ban students from having cell phones in school is going to Governor Dan McKee.

Both the House and Senate have now passed the bill unanimously.

“While cell phones and other personal electronics have become a part of everyday life for most of us, they are also an immense distraction at school. Fortunately, there is growing recognition that kids are better able to focus and succeed academically, socially and emotionally when schools are device-free. All students and schools in Rhode Island will benefit when kids can engage in real life with their teachers and peers,” said Senator Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield).

“The data is clear that cell phones are, at best, disruptive to the education process and in many cases, the use of these devices in the classroom is severely hurting the educational outcomes of our students. I have seen firsthand the detrimental effects of cell phone classroom use as a substitute teacher in North Kingstown and it truly is hampering our students’ growth and progress. From simply distracting kids from paying attention, to fostering and exacerbating tension, stress and unruly behavior within the classroom, cell phones have become a significant impediment to our students properly learning and it’s time we ban their use throughout Rhode Island’s public school classrooms,” said Representative Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter).

It would take effect in August, 2026, with every district in the state required to prohibit cell phones, smart watches and other personal electronic devices during school hours.

(Photo illustration by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)