AUGUSTA- Governor Janet Mills has announced her support for a statewide ban on student cell phone use in schools.
“Tonight, I propose that we enact a statewide ban on cellphone use during the school day – from
bell to bell – to reduce distraction and disruption and to keep children’s attention on learning,” she said.
Mills made the announcement during her final State of the State speech on Tuesday.
“When cell phones are removed from classrooms, research shows that student performance improves, test scores improve, behavior improves, attendance improves, and social dynamics improve,” Mills stated.
A graphic used by the Mills administration
Citing a potential cell phone ban as something that has been on the tops of minds of Maine educators, Mills said it was finally the time to act.
Teachers and administrators often trace a huge percentage of behavioral issues back to student use of phones at school. Even outside issues often make their way into the classrooms and hallways of Maine schools, sometimes with the occurrence of violence.
Mills acknowledged that there will likely be initial pushback from Maine students, noting that “it will be a significant change for some.” She challenged them to “adapt to new challenges,” and look for the benefits, like increased socialization among students.
It is unclear if Mills has yet submitted a bill to make such a change, or if any legislators have submitted their own versions.