Haverhill School Committee Seeks to Block Student Cell Phone Use During School Day

The vice chair of the Haverhill School Committee says the city shouldn't wait for action by the state to enact a ban on cell phones in the classroom.

During the week of Sept. 22, Richard J. Rosa asked his fellow School Committee members to consider a ban on student cell phone use during the school day, effective immediately, rather than waiting for the state to pass its legislation on the matter.

“As you may know, the Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill for a ‘bell-to-bell' ban on cell phones. So, it's coming. The House hasn't passed it yet. The governor is in favor of it. The secretary of education, Dr. Tutwiler, is in favor of it. Many school districts have already passed it. I am of the belief we shouldn't have to wait until it passes,” he told WHAV Public Radio.

Rosa suggested that banning cell phones would enhance student learning and mental health, and he asked school staff to explore logistical solutions, such as lockers or pouches for phones. He also wants to advance a more formal policy banning student cell phone use during the school day for discussion at a future School Committee meeting. 

Support for the cell phone ban proposal came from several members, including Ward 2 School Committee Member Gail M. Sullivan. “I think if we really care about kids' mental health, instead of hiring 18 more mental health professionals, we start with limiting screen time,” Sullivan stated in comments shared with WHAV Public Radio.