CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) — A new statewide cellphone ban in New Hampshire public schools is earning praise from the state’s largest teachers union, which says the move will improve student focus and ease the burden on educators.

The new law, signed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte as part of the state budget, requires all public-school districts and charter schools to adopt policies prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices—from cellphones to smartwatches—during the school day, from the first bell to dismissal. Exceptions are allowed for medical conditions, disabilities and language support needs.

NEA-New Hampshire, which represents thousands of educators across the state, supported the measure and said the policy is based on the lived experience of teachers who have seen devices interfere with learning.

“Everyone who has been inside a school in the last decade has seen how cellphones contribute to misbehavior and shortened attention span,” Union President Megan Tuttle said in a statement. “I know that when teachers are left to enforce cellphone usage on an individual classroom-to-classroom basis, it disrupts your ability to lead instruction. That’s why we advocated for this policy at the state level – to ensure uniformity across districts and across the state that don’t force educators into the role of cellphone police.”

By advocating for the law at the state level, Tuttle said it aimed to create consistency across districts and reduce the classroom management burden on teachers.

The law requires local school boards to develop enforcement policies in collaboration with teachers and parents. NEA-New Hampshire is urging educators to participate in that process to ensure policies are fair and consistently applied.

The National Education Association has released sample cellphone policies for districts to use as a model. Key recommendations include a bell-to-bell device ban, clear enforcement steps, and protections for students with legitimate device needs.

“Together, with educator voices at the core, we can reclaim school as a space for learning, connection, and growth,” Tuttle said.

In the Monadnock Regional School District phones and other devices will be banned all day – including lunch and passing periods – with secure lockboxes available or devices kept off in backpacks or lockers. Exceptions will be made for documented medical or learning needs, and violations could bring confiscation or discipline. The Hinsdale School District’s student handbook bans devices during the school day with similar exceptions and urges students to leave them at home.

The policy takes effect this school year. SAU 29 Superintendent Robb Malay will join WKBK on Friday August 22nd and is expected to have some information to share on how the SAU’s districts will handle the issue.

This story was updated to include information from the Monadnock and Hinsdale School Districts.