Maine Governor Proposes Statewide Cellphone Ban in Schools

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In her final 'State of the State' address, Maine Governor Janet Mills proposed a statewide ban on student cellphone use during the school day, citing research that shows improved academic performance, behavior, and social dynamics when phones are removed from classrooms. The proposal was part of a broader policy agenda outlined by Mills, which also included $300 'affordability' rebates to residents and reviving tuition-free community college.

Why it matters

Mills' cellphone ban proposal is part of a broader effort to improve educational outcomes in Maine schools. The issue has been debated at the local level, with some districts already enacting their own policies, but a statewide mandate would set a consistent standard across the state.

The details

Mills proposed the cellphone ban to take effect 'from bell to bell' rather than allowing schools and districts to enact their own policies. She cited research showing that student performance, test scores, behavior, attendance, and social dynamics all improve when cellphones are removed from classrooms.

• On January 28, 2026, Maine Governor Janet Mills outlined her policy agenda in her final 'State of the State' address.

What’s next

The proposed cellphone ban will now need to be considered by the Maine state legislature, where it may face opposition from some Republican lawmakers who walked out of Mills' speech in protest.