Your area Not set — showing everywhere
Issue · Watertown, MA

K-12 Personal Electronic Device Ban

A proposed bell-to-bell ban on student devices aims to improve focus and mental health but raises enforcement and communication concerns.

Overview

Task force recommended a K-12 ban aligned with potential state law. Community feedback cited enforcement challenges and failure to address underlying student needs. The committee advanced the policy to first reading.

Arguments in favor
Improves academic focus and social-emotional health
school-committee 2026-03-24
For
Arguments against
Enforcement issues and treats students like children without solving root problems
school-committee 2026-04-13
Against
What's next

First reading of policy

personal electronic devicescell phone banbell-to-bell