The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has released a new Phone-Free Schools Toolkit to help Maine schools implement policies and practices that limit student access to personal electronic devices during the school day.
The toolkit is designed to help school leaders, educators, students, and families navigate this shift through practical resources, clear communication, and a shared focus on creating school environments where students can be present, engaged, and connected to their learning and to one another.
Rather than prescribing a single approach, the toolkit offers multiple tools to support implementation across Maine’s diverse schools, communities, and regions. Resources are organized for different audiences and cover communicating expectations, establishing consistent routines, supporting students through the transition, partnering with families, responding to common questions and concerns, and promoting healthy technology habits.
The toolkit also distinguishes between limiting access to personal devices and using educational technology intentionally to support teaching and learning. Technology continues to play an important role in Maine classrooms when it is used purposefully to expand access, support learning, build skills, and create opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.
Schools can use the resources individually or as part of a broader implementation plan, adapting them to fit local policies, practices, and community needs.
The Maine DOE will continue to develop resources and provide support as schools implement phone-free policies throughout the school year. The Department will also learn from schools’ experiences and use that feedback to strengthen its support.
Click here to explore the Phone-Free Schools Toolkit.
For further information or questions, please reach out to Emma-Marie Banks, Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, emma-marie.banks@maine.gov
