EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — By this time next year, a new state law will ban the use of personal electronic devices in Rhode Island public schools.

The new law, which takes effect Aug. 1, 2026, states that each public school should have a policy that prohibits students from having access to their devices during the school day and school-sponsored activities, though there are some exceptions.

Students with "individualized student 504 plans, individualized education plans (IEP), medical needs, like glucose monitoring, and/or a plan to support emergent multilingual learners (MLL) with appropriate language access programs and services" will be able to use their phones when necessary. Exceptions will also be made in the event of an emergency.

The law states that a personal electronic devi

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