Half the states, including Vermont, are banning smartphones from schools in an effort to limit distractions and compulsive social media use in class. The Vermont law, passed in June 2025, requires schools in the state to prohibit students from using cellphones and smartwatches during school hours, starting in the 2026-27 school year. Exceptions will be made for students needing certain accommodations to learn. 

The law also bars schools from using social media platforms to communicate with students, or from requiring students to have social media accounts to take part in school activities.

See the VTDigger.org story on Vermont's ban on cellphones in schools.