AUGUSTA (WGME) — Maine could soon join a growing number of states that ban cellphones during school hours, after lawmakers advanced funding to create and enforce a statewide “bell to bell” policy.

Governor Janet Mills called for the ban during her State of the State address back in January.

“I propose that we enact a statewide ban on cellphone use during the school day, from bell to bell, to reduce distraction and disruption and to keep children’s attention on learning,” Mills said.

Earlier this week, the legislature’s budget committee signed off on $350,000 to support starting a statewide school cellphone ban. The proposal would prohibit students from using their cellphones or smart devices from the first bell until they are dismissed.

“Appropriations has included $350,000 in its budget to support schools with the ban, presumably to cover the cost of phone lockers, Yondr pouches and other possible ‘enforcement-related’ expenses for this possible rollout,” Maine School Management Association Executive Director Eric Waddell said.

Some Maine schools already have their own restrictions. At Cony High School, Principal Kim Liscomb says the school began implementing stricter cellphone policies five years ago after teachers reported students were distracted.

“We said, ‘All right, nope, they need to be in backpacks, they need to be in bags, they can’t be out at all, and there only certain areas in the school you can use them,” Liscomb said.

Under Cony’s current rules, students are permitted to use their phones before and after school and during lunch. Liscomb says the tighter policy has improved classroom participation.

“The best impact is the engagement of students in the classroom, the highly engaged conversations and discussions, teachers have reported a significant improvement there,” Liscomb said.

In response to this proposal, some state lawmakers like Representative Jack Ducharme of Madison say they are against an entire state mandate.

“I did not, nor will I support a state mandate for local schools to ban cellphones in the classroom bell-to-bell. We have local school boards made up of local people: parents, grandparents and others that represent the people of that school district. While I understand that cellphones in schools are a problem, I trust local people to address the problem rather than another government mandate,” Ducharme said.

Waddell says that if a statewide school cellphone policy is enacted, the association will work with the Maine Department of Education to provide a sample policy for school boards.

The proposal still must pass the House and Senate before it can go to the governor for approval. If passed, it would take effect at the beginning of next school year.

Join others for a morning of engagement that addresses Maine’s place in the global economy 

PORTLAND — At a moment of global uncertainty and transition within our own state, Maine’s role in the world will take center stage as Gov. Janet Mills delivers her fifth and final address at the 2026 Governor’s International Breakfast, an annual event hosted by the World Affairs Council of Maine and the Maine International Trade Center.  

This year’s theme “Maine and the World: Looking Back and Moving Forward,” the breakfast will bring together Maine’s civic, business, academic and government leaders for a morning of discussion about how global forces shape Maine’s economy, workforce and future, and how we can maximize opportunities.  

A retrospective panel moderated by David Plumb, senior mediator at the nonprofit Consensus Building Institute, will address progress in international trade, energy, climate and workforce development, supply chain resilience, Arctic affairs and public diplomacy – highlighting areas where ongoing investment is crucial for Maine’s competitiveness and connectivity.  

All the panelists are connected by their leadership in areas identified in Maine’s strategic plans, as well as their  involvement with the International Visitor Leadership Program, a professional exchange program of the U.S. State Department which brings visitors from around the world to promote understanding, public diplomacy, and cultivate lasting relationships with visitors and their home countries. This link to Maine’s public diplomacy highlights how person to person engagement not only facilitates the exchange of ideas and experience but lays out the foundation for future cooperation and lifetime of opportunity.  

Established in 1997, the Governor’s International Breakfast has served as a trusted forum for open and meaningful dialogue on Maine’s place in the world and the benefits of global engagement.  

“At a time of such uncertainty, this event holds greater significance than ever,” said Allison Hodgkins, executive director for the World Affairs Council of Maine. “Since its inception, the breakfast has brought together governors and leaders from across backgrounds, sectors and communities, reflecting our [World Affairs Council of Maine] long tradition of cultivating nonpartisan spaces. As Mainers look for ways to engage thoughtfully on global issues, events like this remain a vital space for connection and progress.” 

The 2026 Governor’s International Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, April 7 from 7-9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. Registration is open to the public. Early bird rates are available, with nonmembers attending for $30 and members for $25. Maine students may attend at no cost. 

​​Since 1977, the World Affairs Council of Maine (WAC207) has worked with community members and elected officials to support cultural exchange between Maine and the world. It provides a regular forum for Maine people to explore international issues and engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue through its programs. Visit https://wacmaine.org/ to learn more or become a member.