(WWLP) – A new bill on Beacon Hill could mean fewer texts in the classroom and more time for learning.
This bill focuses on enhancing youth mental health and education. Senator John Velis of Westfield testified on the bill before the joint education committee earlier Tuesday. It’s called ‘An act to protect children’s learning, focus, and emotional health during school hours.’
If passed, it would require local districts and school boards to develop policies to prohibit students’ access to personal electronic devices and social media platforms during school hours.
Senator Velis told 22News, “My opinion comes from the kids themselves. I’m constantly going into schools and hearing from them. If they think they could be doing better both mentally and on their school work, if they didn’t have this phone every day. It’s almost, I cannot say completely, unanimous that this is a problem.”
The proposal comes just one week after Senator Velis and Senate President Karen Spilka hosted a youth mental health roundtable in Agawam. Cell phone use in the classroom was a top issue during the discussion.