📰BIDDEFORD | School Cell Phone Ban | "Bell To Bell"

"Staff will be available to assist students in contacting home when needed..."

Please note: This article pertains to the entire district (all schools in Saco, Biddeford and Dayton).

May 6, 2026, Recently, the Maine Legislature made updates to LD 2212 that included a provision requiring all public schools in Maine to adopt (and enforce) a "bell-to-bell" cell phone policy.

According to Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, "Beginning August 1, 2026, all public schools across Maine must adopt and enforce a new “bell-to-bell” cell phone policy... This means students in grades K–12 will be required to keep personal devices, including cell phones, smart watches, and other devices with internet or cellular capabilities, stored away for the entire school day–from the first bell to dismissal."

Ray goes on to explain, "The goal of this statewide effort is to reduce distractions, support student mental health, and limit opportunities for cyberbullying during the school day. Our district has already taken important steps in this direction with our current cell phone policy JICJ; however, this will be more restrictive and include smart watches... Over the past year, high school students have surrendered their phones upon entering their classrooms, with limited use during lunch, while elementary and middle school students have kept devices in lockers or at home. These efforts have provided a strong foundation, and we have seen firsthand how reducing phone access can positively impact focus, engagement, and school culture."

According to school officals, one option under consideration is the use of "secure, magnetically locked pouches, often referred to as “Yondr pouches,” that students would use to store their devices upon entering school and unlock at dismissal."

It's important to note that school officials have also stated, "clear expectations and consistent consequences will be in place to support the new policy, along with limited exceptions as outlined in the law."

Supernitendent Ray says, "Families can be assured that our schools will continue to prioritize student safety and communication. Staff will be available to assist students in contacting home when needed, and coaches and advisors will have systems in place to communicate any last-minute schedule changes."

The district has stated they are, "committed to implementing this transition thoughtfully and will continue to share updates, including the final policy, procedures and expectations, as we prepare for the upcoming school year."

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