Governor Ayotte, State Leaders Call for Bell-to-Bell Ban on Cell Phones in Schools

CONCORD, NH - On June 16, 2025, Governor Kelly Ayotte called on legislators to empower school districts to ban cell phones in the classroom ahead of the Committee of Conference vote on Tuesday, June 17.

"We have the opportunity to make our schools an even better place to learn, and I urge the Legislature to meet the moment and pass a bell-to-bell ban on cell phones in schools," said Governor Ayotte. "Screens are negatively impacting our learning environments and making it harder for teachers to do their jobs. When students park their phones for the day, they focus on learning and build stronger relationships with their peers, and teachers don't have to worry about policing cell phone use."

Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics and insights from social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt show excessive screen time is associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation among children and teenagers. Schools that have implemented a bell-to-bell policy see fewer distractions in the classroom, reduced instances of cyberbullying, better student engagement, and improved morale among teachers.

State leaders also joined the Governor in supporting a bell-to-bell cell phone ban:

"A bell-to-bell ban on cell phones in schools will help students focus and let teachers do their jobs without being the phone police. I'm proud to be partnering with Governor Ayotte on this initiative to improve learning and support our teachers. Let's get this across the finish line so we can continue to deliver a best-in-class education for our children." – Sen. Denise Ricciardi, Bedford

"As a mom, I fully support removing the distraction of cell phones from our classrooms. When kids focus on learning and socializing with their peers in-person, grades go up, mental health improves, and they develop the skills they need to thrive in the long-run. I thank Governor Ayotte for leading on this issue and hope my colleagues in the Committee of Conference will see it through." – Rep. Melissa Litchfield, Brentwood

Stevens High School in Claremont became the first high school to ban cell phones during the entire school day in 2023. School leaders and teachers report fewer distractions, increased engagement from students, and more positive social interaction between students and their peers.