LYNN — Two days before the Massachusetts Senate passed a legislation prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day, Lynn Public Schools hosted a virtual presentation to provide information about updates to its current cellphone policy.
During the July 29 presentation, LPS’ compliance officer Charlie Gallo said the updated cellphone policy “clarifies but does not radically change our existing policy.
“The purpose of the new policy is to foster an environment that prioritizes engaged learning, supports social skills, and promotes the well being of students. We hope that this new policy provides a moderate and gradual approach,” Gallo said.
The new policy states that cellphones must be off and not visible during the school day, with potential IEP, 504 plan, or health plan accommodations for students with certain disabilities and medical conditions.
If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian and vice versa, they must do so for “appropriate reasons as determined by the school” via the school’s telephone.
The major change with the new policy is that cellphones and electronic devices are now prohibited during lunchtime and in hallways for students during the school day.
Students who repeatedly violate the policy are subject to progressive discipline such as contacting parents and guardians, confiscation of devices, alternative remedies to suspension, detention, and suspension depending on the circumstances.
Superintendent Dr. Evonne Alvarez addressed LPS’ future approach to enforcing the policy in hopes to avoid resorting to suspension.
“Telling students to put phones out of sight sounds in theory like something they would all comply with, but we know there will be students who will use phones on multiple occasions. We haven’t developed all of our procedures at this time, but we want to ensure that this doesn’t become a daily administrative process that it could likely become,” she said.
The presentation allowed attendees to provide verbal and written feedback regarding the policy changes.
American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts Secretary Treasurer Brant Duncan and LPS teacher Frank Grealish both expressed concerns over the new prohibition of cellphones in the cafeteria specifically. Duncan described the provision as a “radical change,” while Grealish said he felt the lunchtime ban was “too much initially.”
Lynn foster parent and EMT Marissa Pike explained why she believes the ban “may have unintended consequences that undermine students safety and wellbeing.
“Cellphones, when used appropriately, serve as an important tool for safety rather than distraction. In our modern world, cellphones have become an essential need for communication and safety. During emergencies … the ability for students to reach a parent or guardian for emergency services can be crucial. Banning cellphones may inevitably create barriers to communication in situations where timely access can make a difference,” she said.
“Additionally, many parents, including myself, rely on their children’s cellphones for routine check-ins,” Pike said. “The ability for students to have a direct line to their family members ensures peace of mind for both students and parents alike.”
She continued, “In many education settings, cellphones can be used as a powerful learning tool. … Rather than being solely a distraction, phones can be integrated into the classroom to enhance student engagement, facilitate collaboration, and help students access real-time information that supports their learning.”
LPS’ new cellphone policy will take effect September 1, 2025. The policy changes were created in proactive anticipation of the “bell-to-bell” ban passing on a statewide level. While the “bell-to-bell” ban passed the Senate on July 31, it still requires House approval and Gov. Maura Healey’s signature in order to take effect during the 2026-2027 school year.
Lynn Senator Brendan Crighton gave a statement about the bill, which passed the Senate 38-2 on Thursday.
“As one of the original sponsors of phone-free school legislation, I’m proud to have voted in support of this bill that will protect students from the harmful impacts of cell phone use during school. There is strong evidence that a ‘bell to bell’ ban improves academic performance and has benefits for mental health and social development,” he wrote.
