CT Board Of Education Backs Bell-To-Bell Cell Phone Restrictions

The Connecticut State Board of Education voted Wednesday to recommend that schools adopt bell-to-bell restrictions on student cell phones and other personal devices.

Education officials adopted the revised position statement, "Personal and Purposeful Technology Use in Connecticut Schools," expanding the state's 2024 recommendations beyond student cellphone use to address educational technology and overall screen time in classrooms.

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The updated guidance recommends that local and regional school boards develop districtwide policies establishing bell-to-bell restrictions on students' personal devices while allowing appropriate exceptions for instructional purposes and students with disabilities or special health care needs.

The recommendations are not mandatory and do not create a statewide requirement. Instead, state officials are encouraging districts to work with families, educators and students to develop local policies before the start of the school year.

The update comes after lawmakers considered, but ultimately did not pass, legislation that would have required statewide restrictions on student cell phone use during the 2026 legislative session.

Following the session, Gov. Ned Lamont directed the Connecticut State Department of Education to revise its 2024 guidance to reflect the latest research on technology use in schools.

"Personal technology has its place, but during the school day our students should be focused on learning," Lamont said in a statement. "I continue to support bell-to-bell restrictions on personal devices."

Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said the revised guidance is intended to help districts create learning environments that reduce distractions while supporting student engagement.

"As experiences and research regarding screen time continue to evolve, the State Board of Education's updated guidance provides districts with a stronger roadmap for creating learning environments that promote student engagement, learning and well-being," Russell-Tucker said.

In addition to recommending restrictions on personal devices, the guidance encourages districts to:

• Evaluate how educational technology is used in classrooms.
• Promote intentional, evidence-informed screen time.
• Develop grade-specific recommendations for technology use.
• Ensure students with disabilities and special health care needs have access to necessary technology.
• Provide implementation guidance for educators, families and school leaders.

The guidance received support from several statewide education organizations.

"This guidance will be welcomed by school districts statewide as they develop technology use policies that best meet the needs of all students," Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Executive Director Fran Rabinowitz said.

The updated guidance follows a growing national movement toward restricting student cell phone use during the school day.

While Connecticut stopped short of adopting a statewide mandate this year, state education officials said they hope the recommendations will help districts create more focused learning environments while preserving flexibility for local decision-making.