How I Voted: Protecting Children from Social Media and Cell Phone Distraction Act

Strengthening Student Focus and Creating Healthier Learning Environments

Bill: H.5366, Protecting Children from Social Media and Cell Phone Distraction Act

Date of Vote: April 8, 2026

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve?

Technology has transformed the way students communicate and learn, but it has also created new challenges for schools, families, and educators. Excessive cell phone use during the school day can contribute to distraction, reduced engagement, cyberbullying, and challenges maintaining a focused learning environment.

At the same time, growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety, and development have highlighted the need for age-appropriate protections and greater accountability from technology platforms.

This legislation sought to address these challenges by helping schools create distraction-free learning environments while establishing additional safeguards for young people using social media platforms.

What Does the Bill Do?

• Requires social media platforms to implement age verification systems to identify users’ ages.

• Prohibits children under the age of 14 from accessing social media platforms.

• Requires verifiable parental consent for users who are 14 and 15 years old.

• Requires social media platforms to provide greater transparency regarding age verification practices and enforcement.

• Protects minors’ personal information, including information related to characteristics protected under state law.

• Requires the Attorney General’s Office to establish enforcement procedures and maintain a reporting system for violations.

• Requires school districts to adopt policies restricting personal electronic device use during the school day and school-sponsored activities.

• Allows districts flexibility in determining how to implement phone-free policies, including secure storage systems or approved technology solutions.

• Requires districts to maintain accommodations for students with disabilities, medical needs, language access needs, and emergencies.

• Directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to provide guidance and model policies for schools.

• Establishes a pilot program to evaluate technology solutions that can limit device functionality while protecting student privacy.

How I Voted

I voted YES.

Why I Voted This Way

Before serving in the Legislature, I was a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. During that time, I saw firsthand the challenges that personal devices created in our schools and the impact they had on student focus, school culture, and student safety.

That experience is why I filed H.715, legislation to support phone-free schools, which was incorporated into this broader legislation. My support for this effort began with what I saw in classrooms and hallways every day: students learn best when they are engaged, connected to one another, and able to focus without constant digital distractions.

As a principal, I worked with students, families, educators, and the school committee to implement a phone-free school day. The results were meaningful: classrooms became more focused, disciplinary issues declined, and students spent more time interacting with each other.

This legislation recognizes that there is no single approach that will work for every community. It provides districts with flexibility while establishing a statewide expectation that schools should be environments designed for learning.

I also support efforts to ensure young people are protected from the potential harms of social media while recognizing that technology will continue to play an important role in our society.

I supported this legislation because it gives schools the tools they need to create healthier learning environments, protects students from harmful online practices, and helps ensure that technology serves education rather than distracts from it.