"Bell-to-Bell" Phone Bans Spread Across US Schools for 2026-2027 Year
WASHINGTON — A wave of US states and school districts is rolling out full-day cell phone bans as the 2026-2027 school year begins. Michigan, California, and Maryland have all passed laws requiring school boards to adopt device restriction policies, while districts including New York City and Montgomery County, Maryland have already moved to bell-to-bell bans ahead of state deadlines.
Most policies require phones to be turned off and stored away — often in lockable pouches or lockers — from the first bell to the last, with exceptions for medical needs, special education accommodations, and emergencies. Early adopters report anecdotal gains in student focus and behavior, though some school leaders caution that enforcement and family-communication logistics remain a challenge.
The momentum reflects growing bipartisan concern over the impact of smartphones on classroom attention and student mental health, with more state legislatures expected to consider similar bills before the next school year.
