As a bill banning cell phones in public schools picks up steam on Beacon Hill, parents and advocates against early smartphone use are speaking out in favor as well.

ALBANY - The state cellphone ban in schools doesn't start until September, but Albany is leaping in now. The city school district announced that it would start the ban during summer school.

Supporters have argued the devices in school distract students and encourage heavy use of social media, contributing to a growing mental health crisis among the nation’s youth.