Rhode Island Is About to Ban Cellphones in Schools. Here's when It Could Take Effect

Art competition in South Bay schools aims to unplug students from devices

A San Jose company is getting creative with ways to get children away from their screens, starting with an art competition. While Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act last year to reduce excessive smartphone use in schools, the law doesn’t take effect until July 2026. In the interim, San Jose’s Network Financials Inc., or NetFin for short, is among those looking to resolve this issue now. Related Articles Report: Cali…

School officials busy updating cell phone use policies

Area school officials are updating their cell phone policies to reflect the statewide ban that will take effect ahead of the 2025-26 school year.

Rhode Island is about to ban cellphones in schools. Here's when it could take effect

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — From lockboxes in North Providence to pouches in Woonsocket, bans on personal devices like cellphones have gained popularity in Rhode Island and around the country. Now, both the Rhode Island House and Senate have passed statewide legislation. Identical versions of the bill received unanimous support, providing a veto-proof path for the measure after the House voted on Monday. "In Tiverton, where I teach, we have second…

Northshore School District to restrict student cellphone use

The Northshore School District will implement a new cell phone policy beginning with the 2025-26 school year, aiming to reduce distractions and address behavioral concerns such as cyberbullying and student altercations. Under the new policy, personal mobile devices—including smartphones and smartwatches—will be prohibited in early childhood programs, elementary, and middle schools. Students in those grades will be expected to leave their devices…

Northshore School District bans cellphones in elementary, middle schools

The Northshore School District says it’s changing its cellphone policy for the upcoming school year.

Rhode Island lawmakers pass legislation to ban cell phones in schools - TPR: The Public's Radio

The Rhode Island House of Representatives on Monday unanimously approved a bill that would ban student use of cell phones during school hours.  The state Senate passed an identical bill in May, leaving Gov. Dan McKee’s signature as the final hurdle for the policy. Under the legislation, Rhode Island school districts would have to craft […] The post Rhode Island lawmakers pass legislation to ban cell phones in schools appeared first on TPR: The P…