Portland school officials are considering a significant change in cellphone policy for students, aiming to prohibit the use of phones on campus from the first to the last bell. Currently, district guidelines allow high school students to use electronic devices between classes and during lunch. However, growing concerns from parents and teachers are pushing for a complete ban on phones during school hours, reflecting a wider national trend to limit classroom distractions caused by phones.
Teachers in Portland have expressed that managing cellphone use is a stressful aspect of their job, often requiring them to confiscate devices during lessons. They argue that it is unrealistic to expect students to ignore such a potent distraction. As educators advocate for a unified policy, the responsibility of enforcement may shift from individual teachers to a district-wide mandate.
The proposed policy, which would require the central office to develop specific rules and implementation strategies, has been advanced by Portland’s Curriculum and Policy Committee. The policy awaits a first reading and formal vote by the full school board. Board Chair Sarah Lentz has scheduled the initial reading for May 6.
David Burke, a former Casco Bay High School teacher and parent of Portland schools alumni, supports a cellphone-free environment, considering phones a significant threat to education. He is part of Phone-Free Portland Schools, a group advocating for this policy change, which has gathered over 150 signatures in support.
Portland is not alone in this initiative. Other districts, such as Bath and Gorham, have instituted similar bans, and states like California and Florida have implemented restrictions over the past two years. The Maine State Legislature is also considering a broader ban on cellphone use in public schools, reflecting the growing concern about the impact of phones on education.
Since the summer of 2024, various stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers, and administrators, have been discussing revisions to Portland’s phone policy. An initial proposal focused on elementary and middle schools, allowing high school students to retain phones, was deemed insufficient by advocates who pressed for a comprehensive ban across all grades. The revised draft now suggests that students should not possess phones during school hours, with plans for safe collection and storage.
The policy allows for limited exceptions and encourages students to leave phones at home. Outstanding questions remain regarding the collection process and the policy’s impact on students who attend multiple campuses. While some school administrators express concern about the additional workload and the need for student input, the board emphasizes the positive outcomes seen in other districts that have adopted similar measures.
Ongoing feedback and discussion are encouraged as the district aims to refine the policy further. Despite some reservations, there is optimism that the benefits of reducing phone distractions in schools will be substantial.
