Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed legislation into law on June 27 banning cell phones in schools, a move that aligns the Green Mountain state with more than half of states across the country.
The new law requires Vermont schools to develop and adopt policies prohibiting students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices from “arrival to dismissal.”
So will cell phones be banned when Vermont schools start in late August? Here’s what to know ahead of the new school year.
Are cell phones banned in Vermont schools this year?
No. The new rule will begin in the 2026-2027 school year.
What is the cell phone ban in Vermont?
Under the new law, all cell phones and personal electronic devices, like smart watches or laptops, will be banned from school for the entire school day.
There are some exceptions for students on individualized health care plan, individualized education program or 504 plan, or required to comply with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Administrators may also approve the use of personal electronic devices for school-related activities for the “most limited use reasonably possible.”
Social media restriction begins this year
Another provision of the law deals with social media and went into effect upon passage.
That means that this year, teachers are banned from requiring students to use social media to participate in school-related activities, like homework, school sports or extracurricular clubs.
The law also prohibits schools from communicating with students over non-approved social media platforms.
Where are cell phones banned?
Legislation to ban cell phones in schools have gained steam in recent years as advocates say it will improve student’s focus in the classroom and their mental health.
In New England, all states have either already passed legislation related to regulating cellphones or have legislation in the works.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont phone law bans mobile phones in schools: What to know
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