THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 8, 2025 Page 5 Sen. Lewis champions passage of cell phone-free schools legislation in Mass. Senate S tate Senator Jason Lewis was a leader in the Massachusetts Senate’s passage of legislation to establish cell phone-free public schools in the Commonwealth. The bill aims to improve student learning and academic achievement, boost mental health and foster healthier learning environments. Extensive research has shown that removing cell phones and other personal electronic devices from schools increases academic performance, encourages from schools. Thank you to all the students, parents, teachers, school administrators, researchers, and other stakeholders we’ve worked with in drafting and passing this important legislation.” An Act to promote student learning and mental health requires all public K-12 school districts in Massachusetts to adopt “bell to bell” cell phonefree school policies by the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Districts will be allowed to ferred the bill to its committee on Ways and Means. More than half of all states have already enacted statewide laws or regulations to ban, limit or discourage student cell phone use in schools. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma 50 If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY face-to-face interactions, which improves social skills and emotional intelligence, supports mental health and well-being, increases job satisfaction for teachers and makes schools safer during emergency situations. “There are a myriad of negative effects linked to student cell phone usage in school, including diminished academic performance, poorer mental health, worse relationship building and social skills, online bullying, and more,” said Senator Lewis, Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education. “According to Pew Research, 72% of high school teachers consider cell phones to be a ‘major problem’ in the classroom, and numerous studies have shown the benefits to student learning and well-being by removing cell phones make exceptions for students who need personal devices for managing medical conditions, off-campus travel requirements, individualized education plans (IEPs) or to accommodate a disability. Schools will be required to ensure that parents or guardians are able to contact their children during the school day when necessary. To guide districts in crafting their policies, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will solicit public input and provide guidance, recommendations and a model policy. Districts will have the freedom to decide how best to implement and enforce their policy. On July 31, 2025, the bill passed in the Massachusetts Senate with a bipartisan vote of 38-2, and on August 4 the House of Representatives reCall or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available
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