Our goal is to ban cell phones from bell-to-bell at all schools in the State of Maine.
LD 1234 would create a consistent, statewide bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools—supporting learning, mental health, and classroom focus.
Join Turn the Tide Coalition, educators, parents, students, and mental health providers in making your voice heard.
Contact your Legislators (Click here
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Contact your Legislators (Click here ➡️
LD 1234 requires the Maine Department of Education to adopt rules restricting the use of personal electronic communication devices by students. This bill requires all public schools to implement a policy prohibiting student access to personal electronic devices during the entire school day— during instructional time and school-related activities. The policy must require devices to be turned off, securely stored and inaccessible to students, with certain limited exceptions for medical and educational needs
“Schools should ensure that classroom learning and social time are phone-free experiences.”
-US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, in the the New York Times, June 17, 2024
BACKGROUND ON LD 1234:
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Testimony on LD 1234 on April 15, 2025: Education and Cultural Affairs Committee
Click to watch hearing on LD 1234 – An Act to Establish Phone-Free Schools at the Cross Building in Augusta.
This bill will create a consistent, statewide bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools—supporting learning, mental health, and classroom focus.
Join Turn the Tide Coalition, educators, parents, students, and mental health providers in making your voice heard.
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Submit your Testimony
Go to https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/.
Select “Public Hearing.”
Choose the committee: Education & Cultural Affairs
Choose the correct date and time: Wednesday April 16th at 10am
Choose the bill that you wish to testify on: LD1234
Select your position on the bill: “I am for…” (you must pick a position)
Click “Choose File” and upload an electronic version of your testimony.
You can upload only a PDF (.pdf), Word (.doc or .docx), or Plain Text (.txt) file.
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Resources for School Implementation
These resources are specifically designed to help you engage all stakeholders, minimize pushback, and facilitate a smooth transition to a phone-free school environment.
