AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, introduced a bill that would create an opt-in pilot project to help schools reduce electronic device distractions for students.
For schools who would like to participate, LD 170 would provide a select number of schools access to grant funds to implement phone-free policies. The pilot program would also include an evaluation of changes in school climate, student mental health and behavior, academic performance and more related to the effect of the cell phone policy. The Department of Education would be required to report back to the Legislature with its findings on Nov. 4, 2026 and Dec. 1, 2027.
“Veteran teachers are telling me students are more distracted in the classroom. They notice higher levels of anxiety, more bullying and more students with increased feelings of isolation,” said Mathieson. “It is well-documented that smartphones and social media applications are harmful to school-aged children, affecting their ability to focus, learn and socialize – causing memory loss and worsening existing conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction. This bill would start to help create solutions to this problem.”
According to the Pew Research Center, in 2011, approximately 35% of Americans owned a smartphone. In 2023, that number had grown to 97%. The American Psychological Association has also reported that 41% of teens with the highest social media usage rate their overall mental health as poor or very poor.
The Maine Principals’ Association, the Maine Education Association and many others testified in support of the measure.
“As a parent, a legislator, and someone deeply concerned about the mental health of Maine’s youth, I believe we have a responsibility to explore evidence-based solutions to support their well-being,” said Sen. Stacy Brenner. “Reducing personal device distraction during the school day is one such step. The bill before you today is reasonable, research-informed approaches that allow us to learn from experience and shape policy accordingly.”
A work session on the bill will be scheduled in the coming days.
Mathieson is serving her third term in the Maine House representing Kittery and is House chair of the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Mathieson) | 305-965-2744