Two-thirds of Massachusetts parents polled support a ban on cell phones in school, a new MassINC report found, though nearly as many want an alternative means to contact their child during schooltime.

“Cell phone use in our schools is undeniably fueling distraction and undermining meaningful learning,” said Jennie Williamson, Massachusetts state director of EdTrust, which sponsored the poll from MassINC. “We appreciate legislative leaders for taking this issue seriously, and this poll makes clear that parents overwhelmingly share these concerns. Their strong support for a statewide ban should give lawmakers the momentum needed to carry this bill across the finish line.”

The MassINC poll found 26% of 6-12 grade parents “strongly support” and 40% “somewhat support” a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in public schools. The ban reflects a bill being considered in the state Legislature, which was passed by the senate over the summer.

The group polled about 900 Massachusetts parents of grades 6-12 students starting in September 2025. About 88% of parents polled reported their children have a phone or smartwatch.

The debate in Massachusetts comes as at least 33 states have enacted laws or policies banning or limiting cell phone use in schools, according to Ballotpedia. Advocates for the measure, including Gov. Maura Healey and AG Andrea Campbell, have cited the impact of cell phone usage on student distraction and mental health.

While the majority of parents polled supported the ban, another 63% say they would want a way to contact their child during school. In a focus group, parents cited concerns for their kids’ safety and their ability to contact them in an emergency.

Parents voiced broad concerns, asking questions like “What happens if they really need it?” and calling the climate of school violence and social media videotaping “very scary.” The parents’ answers also cited coordinating with their children about before and after school transportation and medical issues among concerns.

About half of parents said they would want more information about the policy and exceptions.

In Beacon Hill’s proposed ban, school districts would be required to implement policies including a “bell-to-bell” ban on usage of personal electronic devices. The legislation would also require districts to institute a method for parents or guardians and students to contact each other during the day if necessary.

District policies could also include exceptions for “necessary accommodations” for school and student health and safety under the bill.

The Massachusetts House has yet to take up the proposal, though House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz indicated interest in the measure in early November, saying the committee is “working through that right now.”

Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred on Sunday morning in Everett, Massachusetts.

The crash occurred in the area of 524 Broadway, and police said the road was shut down in both directions. Drivers were being urged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area.

There was no immediate word on the extent of the injuries.

The last time St. John’s Preparatory School and Xaverian Brothers met was on Thanksgiving Day, with the Hawks coming away with the win in the storied Massachusetts high school football rivalry.

Missing from that very game was 2028 four-star quarterback Christopher Vargas, who was on crutches last week and didn’t play. Over a week later, Vargas was back in action and it seemed like that might be the missing piece that could swing the pendulum in their favor.

It didn’t impact the game quite like folks or the Hawks may have thought as the result remained the same as Xaverian Brothers in dramatic fashion defeated St. John’s Preparatory School, 41-35, Saturday night at Gillette Stadium for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division I Super Bowl.

With the victory, Xaverian Brothers secured the three-peat in beating their rivals all in the process. It’s a rarity that two teams would face each other in back-to-back weeks, one being a regular season game and the very next week for a state championship. The Hawks notched their 11th state title in program history, which the game was the final one of the Massachusetts high school football season.

Hawks junior signal caller Will Wood finished the historic night throwing for 346 yards, which is third most in MIAA Super Bowl history.

For Massachusetts high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Old Colony State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Massachusetts high school football excitement across the state.