As the state pushes forward with the school cell phone ban promoted by Sen. Brendan P. Crighton, Lynnfield prides itself on the extension of the policy to all levels in local schools, with some minor adaptations for each.
“We are out in front of a lot of other districts,” said Superintendent Thomas Geary, referring to a policy in place since August 2024.
“We got very positive feedback,” he added. “We expect to continue with that policy this coming year.”
The policy may undergo a few minor adjustments, as Gov. Maura Healey called for a cell phone ban at the state level, with “options for parents” to contact their kids during school hours.
“We know that distraction-free learning is the best way to set our students up for success,” Healey wrote in a statement on July 9.
In Lynnfield schools, the ban is already in place at the middle school level, where students drop off their phones in their lockers until the end of the day. This was extended to elementary and high schools, with some freedom for the latter.
“At the high school we allow them to have a little more leeway,” said Geary. “We allow them to keep their cell phone in their bag and to have it between periods, in hallways, and at lunch.”
He anticipates a possible need to adapt Lynnfield policies, as state language is being decided, but feels Lynnfield is “already in a good position.”
In the meantime, the benefits of the ban are clear to him.
“Instead of all walking into class and staring down at their phones, we’re seeing students have conversations with each other,” said Geary. “That’s great to see.”
