Parents give ringing endorsement to school cellphone ban in new poll

"A new poll finds that the majority of Massachusetts parents support a statewide ban on cellphones and smartwatches during the school day, as legislators weigh whether to pass a bill to keep the devices out of classrooms. The poll, released Thursday and conducted by Boston-based nonprofit The MassINC Polling Group, found that 66 percent of parents would back a ban. Of that figure, 44 percent said they'd "strongly" support it."

"The poll comes as state leaders grapple with whether to pass a ban, with the state Senate voting in support of one in July. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and the state's two largest teachers unions have also expressed support for a ban. House leadership has been reluctant to get on board with a bill, though House Speaker Ron Mariano said last month that it could be the next measure on the education agenda."

A poll of nearly 900 parents of students in grades six through 12 found 66 percent would back a statewide ban on cellphones and smartwatches during the school day, with 44 percent expressing strong support. About 88 percent of surveyed parents reported that their children have smartphones, and 63 percent said they want to be able to contact their children during school hours. State Senate approval, support from the governor, attorney general, and major teachers unions contrast with House leadership reluctance. Supporters cite classroom distraction and negative effects on students' mental health as primary concerns. The poll was sponsored by the Education Trust.

Read at Boston.com