This bill aims to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth by amending Chapters 69 and 71 of the General Laws. It introduces a new section that defines personal electronic devices and mandates the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide guidance and model policies for schools to prohibit the use of such devices during the school day and school-sponsored activities. The bill emphasizes the need for secure storage options for personal devices, methods for parental communication during school hours, and effective enforcement provisions that prevent inequitable discipline. Additionally, it allows for exceptions to the prohibition based on individual education plans, health conditions, or emergencies.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a pilot program for technological means to render personal electronic devices inoperable during school hours and requires districts to develop educational policies regarding the risks of social media use. The Department will provide guidance for these policies and ensure they are publicly available. Each district is required to file its personal electronic device use and social media education policies with the Department by specified deadlines, and the Department will report on the implementation and effects of these policies by September 1, 2028.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 71-102