Massachusetts schools crack down on student cellphone use

School districts across Massachusetts are tightening cellphone restrictions this year, some with help from state officials.

Why it matters: Cellphones are at the center of debates between some parents, who use them to contact children throughout the school day, and teachers and administrators, who consider them distractions.

Driving the news: The state has offered at least 77 districts grants to address cellphones in schools, including by storing them in pouches or lockers, per the state Executive Office of Education.

• The state has offered at least $1.3 million in grants, WCVB reported.
• Boston, Newton and Medford each received $25,000 in grants, per the state.
• The funds came from a one-year pilot grant using federal funds.

Newton Public Schools, which started school Tuesday, updated its electronics policy, barring students K-8 from using cellphones, smart watches and other personal devices at school.

• High schoolers will be allowed to use them for educational purposes with a teacher's permission, the policy states.
• A principal has to give prior approval.

Boston Public Schools, which doesn't allow student cellphone use on school grounds, awarded a three-year, $843,000 contract to Yondr , which makes magnetic locked phone pouches, the Globe reported.

Worcester Public Schools' new policy also bars cellphone use unless a teacher gives permission and it's for educational purposes, per the Worcester Telegram & Gazette .

Needham has had a no-phone policy for years, WCVB reported.

• Needham High School students who bring phones must put them in a "phone hotel" during class.

The big picture: Florida and Indiana passed bans on student cellphone use in class in the past year.

Officials in several cities and states have proposed student cellphone bans as part of the Phone-Free Schools Movement , founded by three moms concerned about the impact cellphones have on kids.