Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Policy Delivers Powerful Results in First Year

CONCORD, NH - Nearly one year after the implementation of New Hampshire's bell-to-bell cell phone law, educators and school leaders report that the change has been effective in reducing distractions in the classroom and improving student focus.

Nearly 80 percent of teachers recently surveyed about the first year of implementation said that the new policies in their schools were either very effective or somewhat effective at reducing distractions; about 88 percent of school administrators agreed.

"Our effort to get cell phones out of the classroom is paying off, and I'm highly encouraged by the progress schools are reporting," said Governor Kelly Ayotte. "When classrooms are free from unnecessary distractions, teachers can focus on teaching, students are better able to learn, and we see students reading, talking, and connecting with each other again. I look forward to continuing to work with teachers, parents, and school leaders to make sure New Hampshire remains a great place to learn."

Seventy-five percent of teachers surveyed said they never or rarely observe cell phones being used in the classroom for non-instructional purposes. In comparison, during a previous survey in the fall of 2025, 68 percent of teachers said they observed phones being used very often, often, or sometimes for non-instructional purposes before the statewide mandate.

Other key takeaways from the recent survey aimed at understanding how the cell phone ban is impacting schools include:

• Most educators reported that students seem to have developed better social skills and stronger bonds with their peers.
• Most educators reported that students feel less pressure to check their phones.
• About one third of educators reported fewer discipline problems.
• About one third of educators said academic outcomes have improved.

"We are pleased to see the hard work of teachers, administrators, and students paying off. The energy in classrooms has shifted, and we are hearing that students are more focused, engaged, and connected. It's clear that the bell-to-bell policy is helping create more positive and vibrant school communities," said Commissioner Caitlin D. Davis of the New Hampshire Department of Education.

About 65 percent of teachers surveyed say students are talking with more peers during lunch or breaks, 75 percent say students seem more focused in class, and 54 percent say class disruptions have declined.

Some written comments from educators who were surveyed include:

• "Students are exponentially more engaged, less anxious, and far less distracted across the board."
• "It has been incredible to see students interacting with each other between classes and during downtime … there is also so much more free reading."
• "For the first time since the pandemic, the majority of students are engaging with each other regularly. Social anxiety is dropping."
• "We had a dozen significant physical altercations last year; this year we've had one."

The survey was distributed to educators across the state by the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) this past spring. The findings include responses from 1,399 secondary teachers (grades 6-12) and 158 secondary school administrators (grades 6-12). The survey was conducted to gather initial information about educators' perceptions and experiences with the cell phone ban. A similar survey was conducted in the fall of 2025 to capture experiences prior to the policy taking effect.

"We are encouraged to see that just in the first year of implementation, New Hampshire's bell-to-bell cell phone ban is already helping create stronger learning environments for our students and better working environments for our educators," said Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-NH. "These early results demonstrate what's possible when educators, school leaders, families, and lawmakers work together with a shared focus on student success. Together, we are ensuring our schools are places where all students can learn, connect, and grow."

Accessing the data:

• Read the report on the findings from the recent NHED survey
• See a shorter infographic on the survey results