Massachusetts Launched Grant Program for Phone-Free Schools
State schools can apply for funding to adopt new cellphone-free policies to improve classroom focus.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Governor Maura Healey has announced a $1 million grant program to assist Massachusetts schools in implementing cellphone-free policies. This funding aims to reduce electronic distractions and support student well-being as districts move toward more restricted device environments.
Why it matters
Schools are prioritizing these policies to minimize distractions, helping students refocus on their educational mission and peer relationships. The initiative follows ongoing state-level efforts to regulate technology use among minors to protect student mental health.
The $1 million grant program is part of a larger $4.5 million state initiative for Student Support and Well-being Systems. Schools must submit their grant applications by the October 21, 2026 deadline.
The players
Maura Healey
The current Governor of Massachusetts who is championing statewide initiatives for student well-being.
Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District
A local district that has already established a comprehensive cellphone-free policy for all grade levels.
The details
Grant funding is designed to cover the costs of policy development, staff training, and the purchase of necessary equipment, such as secure phone pouches. For instance, the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District has already implemented a district-wide ban requiring phones to be powered off or silenced and kept out of sight for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Timeline
The 2023-2024 school year saw a pilot program serve 77 districts.
The state Senate approved a statewide K-12 cellphone ban in August 2025.
The House passed a social media restriction bill for minors in April 2026.
Governor Healey announced the new grant program in September 2026.
School grant applications are due by October 21, 2026.
The Home Front
This program aligns with the state's move toward a mandated statewide K-12 cellphone ban for the upcoming school year. It represents a broader regulatory effort to curb social media and device exposure following the April 2026 House-passed bill regarding minor social media access.
Check your district's website or school board communications to see if they are applying for this grant to fund new phone-free equipment. If your child is enrolled in a district like Dighton-Rehoboth, verify their specific policy for storing phones during the school day.
The takeaway
As Massachusetts transitions toward a statewide K-12 cellphone ban, schools are increasingly shifting to policies that require devices to be silenced or stowed. Parents should keep their school district's specific device storage guidelines on file to ensure compliance with new 2026-2027 rules.
What happens next
School administrators must ensure all grant applications are submitted to the state by October 21, 2026. Families should watch for district-specific updates regarding policy changes ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest policies impacting Secondary Education in the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boston.
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