Gov. Ayotte Faces Decision on Statewide Cellphone Ban Amid Bipartisan Support
Concord, NH — Governor Kelly Ayotte has consistently expressed her support for a classroom cellphone ban since taking office, citing concerns about distractions in the learning environment. Recently, the House Education Policy Committee advanced a significant "bell-to-bell" ban, mandating a statewide prohibition on student cellphone use throughout the school day.
This proposed amendment, introduced by Rep. Melissa Litchfield (R-Brentwood), passed narrowly along party lines with a vote of 9-8. Advocates, including the National Education Association, argue that protecting students from distractions is critical for improving focus and reducing negative behavior in classrooms. Litchfield emphasized that 83% of educators support the ban, stating that teachers are overwhelmed and need legislative backing.
However, dissenting voices, such as Rep. Loren Selig (D-Durham), argue that the bell-to-bell mandate undermines local control, suggesting that districts should tailor their policies to meet their unique needs. While Ayotte has not openly endorsed the comprehensive ban, an alternative proposal, HB 781, which allows local school districts to determine their cellphone use policies, received near-unanimous support in an earlier committee vote.
The discussion around cellphone restrictions has gained traction following the influence of social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who has spoken out against excessive screen time. Following the recent committee vote, Litchfield called upon Senate lawmakers to approve the bell-to-bell ban, reinforcing the idea that school should be a place for learning rather than social media browsing.
The amended proposal is now set to be voted on by the full House, with potential implications for educational practices across New Hampshire schools. The NH Journal continues to monitor this evolving story as it unfolds. For further updates, visit NHJournal.com.
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