Vermont’s statewide ban on cellphones in schools starts this year

Charlotte Oliver, VT Digger

Kids across Vermont will be banned from using smartphones during the school day this year as a new state law takes effect.

Although schools are newly required to have policies on banning phones from the classroom, many schools around the state have tried out the ban for the last year or two. And staff in those districts say students have been more attentive in class, more social and less likely to engage in cyber bullying.

“We’ve had overwhelming positive responses from families, from students, from teachers,” said Ryan Heraty, superintendent of the Lamoille South Supervisory Union. This is the third year the district will restrict phones in schools, he said.

Vermont passed its law banning cellphones from schools in 2025 amid a nationwide movement concerned about the cognitive and emotional impacts of social media and smartphone use among youth.

Vermont’s law prohibits students from using cellphones and other personal electronic devices, such as tablets and smartwatches, during the school day unless necessary for their healthcare or academic accommodations.

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