Mass. House passes bill restricting teen social media and phones in schools

""The harmful impacts of unregulated technology on our children are something our educators and librarians have long been concerned about," said Jessica Tang, president of the American Federation of Teachers, Massachusetts."

""This bill will protect children from harmful content and addictive algorithms, and ensure that our students are able to focus in the classroom without the distraction from cell phones," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano."

The Massachusetts House approved a bill prohibiting children under 14 from using social media and mandating a complete ban on cellphones in public schools. The bill, which passed 129-25, requires 14- and 15-year-olds to obtain parental consent for social media access. Users aged 16 and older face no restrictions. The proposal includes age verification for social media companies and mandates school districts to enforce cellphone policies. The bill aims to protect children from harmful content and distractions in educational settings.

Read at Boston.com