Schools Restricting Cell Phone Use
MARCH 26th, 2024
While smartphones help kids connect, stay in touch with caregivers, and offer new learning methods, they're also a hot topic amongst parents: should they be banned from schools?
A Unesco report¹ has recommended a global ban to improve learning, help prevent cyberbullying, and remove distractions from the classroom.
With over three-quarters of schools² across the United States banning devices, a phone crackdown has begun.
Although parents have expressed concerns⁴ over kids' smartphone use, not all favor outright bans, citing safety factors.
What's going on? Should cell phones be allowed in schools? What are the pros and cons of cellphone bans? And do they work?
We reveal the answers to your questions in our guide below.
How Common Are Cell Phone Bans in Schools?
In Florida³, all public schools have a cell phone ban in the classroom. Vermont, Oklahoma, and Kansas have also introduced phone-free⁵ legislation.
Governor Spencer Cox urged school districts in Utah to remove⁵ cell phones from classrooms; also, the Orange County School Board barred⁶ students from using cell phones and other devices during the school day.
So, can we expect a national ban? Not likely, with the US Department of Education clarifying⁶ this is a state issue.
Globally, one in four⁷ countries say no to cell phones in schools, begging the question: are bans effective?
Governor Spencer Cox urged school districts in Utah to remove⁵ cell phones from classrooms; also, the Orange County School Board barred⁶ students from using cell phones and other devices during the school day.
So, can we expect a national ban? Not likely, with the US Department of Education clarifying⁶ this is a state issue.
Globally, one in four⁷ countries say no to cell phones in schools, begging the question: are bans effective?
Do School Bans Work?
It's hard to tell yet; there haven't been many US studies on how effective bans are in curbing distractions and cyberbullying.
But there's anecdotal evidence, with Heather Kreider, the principal of Edgewater High School in Florida's Orange County school district, explaining² the school's ban has been positive for their pupils' mental health: "Our kids are way more engaged. The apathy that we had seen from them in the last year to two years has seemed to wane. They seem more like they're waking back up to a social experience."
At Buxton Boarding School, in Massachusetts, where the school replaced smartphones with 'lightphones' (smartphone alternatives without apps, internet, and camera) for teachers and students, almost all staff and pupils agree⁸: the school is better off with more meaningful interactions, less screentime and fewer distractions.
Distractions, like text messages received in the classroom, will cost a child twenty¹ minutes of refocusing on the lesson.
A Spanish study⁹ of schools with bans found a significant reduction in cyberbullying in two regions, and one of those showed increased math and science test scores.
Norwegian research¹⁰ indicates that banning cell phones from school impacts grades positively and increases kids' probability of selecting an academic track at school. Also, schools reported less bullying.
Interestingly, both effects were higher among girls.
Considering this evidence, it may seem surprising many oppose blanket bans. So why should cell phones be allowed in schools?
But there's anecdotal evidence, with Heather Kreider, the principal of Edgewater High School in Florida's Orange County school district, explaining² the school's ban has been positive for their pupils' mental health: "Our kids are way more engaged. The apathy that we had seen from them in the last year to two years has seemed to wane. They seem more like they're waking back up to a social experience."
At Buxton Boarding School, in Massachusetts, where the school replaced smartphones with 'lightphones' (smartphone alternatives without apps, internet, and camera) for teachers and students, almost all staff and pupils agree⁸: the school is better off with more meaningful interactions, less screentime and fewer distractions.
Distractions, like text messages received in the classroom, will cost a child twenty¹ minutes of refocusing on the lesson.
A Spanish study⁹ of schools with bans found a significant reduction in cyberbullying in two regions, and one of those showed increased math and science test scores.
Norwegian research¹⁰ indicates that banning cell phones from school impacts grades positively and increases kids' probability of selecting an academic track at school. Also, schools reported less bullying.
Interestingly, both effects were higher among girls.
Considering this evidence, it may seem surprising many oppose blanket bans. So why should cell phones be allowed in schools?
Should Schools Allow Phones? Arguments in Favor
For some parents, safety is high on their list of concerns. When Parents¹¹ asked readers about schools banning cell phones, they stated fears about a complete ban.
Whereas most agreed phone usage should be restricted, the biggest worry was kids not being able to contact parents in an emergency, like a school shooter breaking into the classroom. Take reader Britannie's comment¹¹: "Nope, not until keeping our kids safe in schools becomes a priority. And even then, my kids deserve a way to communicate with me anytime for any reason, especially when they feel unsafe or uncomfortable."
Other caregivers feel kids must learn restraint and a time and place for cell phone usage.
Critics¹² of the bans believe students who rely on their phones for jobs or family responsibilities need access to their cell phones, and they warn about an increase¹³ in disciplinary actions in school.
Whereas most agreed phone usage should be restricted, the biggest worry was kids not being able to contact parents in an emergency, like a school shooter breaking into the classroom. Take reader Britannie's comment¹¹: "Nope, not until keeping our kids safe in schools becomes a priority. And even then, my kids deserve a way to communicate with me anytime for any reason, especially when they feel unsafe or uncomfortable."
Other caregivers feel kids must learn restraint and a time and place for cell phone usage.
Critics¹² of the bans believe students who rely on their phones for jobs or family responsibilities need access to their cell phones, and they warn about an increase¹³ in disciplinary actions in school.
New York-based educator Shannon Moser¹⁴ felt parents were being pushed away when the Greece Central School District began cracking down on cell phones. She believes¹⁴ locking away phones will signal the end of a form of accountability for parents on both sides of the political divide. “Everything is just so politicized, so divisive. And I think parents just have a general fear of what’s happening with their kids during the day,”
Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in Schools? Arguments Against
Educators tired of battling for attention with devices in the classroom say they find teaching challenging⁵ when kids are betting on gambling apps or watching Netflix.
A survey¹⁵ by a Canadian middle school points to 75% of staff and 61% of parents believing cell phones negatively affect students' physical and mental health.
The influence social media wields on kids' well-being is another aspect proponents of a ban worry about.
Parents against the ban cite safety fears, and researcher Ed Lukes explains¹³ that in emergencies, students feel safer with a phone, but walking around in the school knowing that what they say or do can be filmed and put on social media can hurt their well-being.
Jack, a 15-year-old New Zealand-based student, illustrates this social pressure when he says,¹⁶ "How other kids smartphone use at school impacts me is negatively mostly … Everyone with a smartphone is mainly using it for social media. In and out of class you have the constant threat of any slip-up being recorded and posted for all to see. Interactions are more extreme if someone is filming it, [like] arguments, fights."
Finally, what about grades? Arnold Glass, a psychology professor who has studied the impact of cell phones on pupils' performance, says⁸, "They lose anywhere between a half and whole letter grade if they are allowed to consult their phones in class."
The debate rages on, and finding a system that works for teachers and parents won’t be straightforward.
Smartphones have tremendous upsides, but there are well-documented concerns about kids having them in schools. However, many feel cell phones shouldn’t be banned. Our deep dive shows both sides of the argument to help you stay informed.
A survey¹⁵ by a Canadian middle school points to 75% of staff and 61% of parents believing cell phones negatively affect students' physical and mental health.
The influence social media wields on kids' well-being is another aspect proponents of a ban worry about.
Parents against the ban cite safety fears, and researcher Ed Lukes explains¹³ that in emergencies, students feel safer with a phone, but walking around in the school knowing that what they say or do can be filmed and put on social media can hurt their well-being.
Jack, a 15-year-old New Zealand-based student, illustrates this social pressure when he says,¹⁶ "How other kids smartphone use at school impacts me is negatively mostly … Everyone with a smartphone is mainly using it for social media. In and out of class you have the constant threat of any slip-up being recorded and posted for all to see. Interactions are more extreme if someone is filming it, [like] arguments, fights."
Finally, what about grades? Arnold Glass, a psychology professor who has studied the impact of cell phones on pupils' performance, says⁸, "They lose anywhere between a half and whole letter grade if they are allowed to consult their phones in class."
The debate rages on, and finding a system that works for teachers and parents won’t be straightforward.
Smartphones have tremendous upsides, but there are well-documented concerns about kids having them in schools. However, many feel cell phones shouldn’t be banned. Our deep dive shows both sides of the argument to help you stay informed.
Sources:
1. What do Americans think about different parenting styles poll
2. Diana B Baumrind
3. Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept - PMC
5. Parenting Styles
6. CredibleMind | Jeff Nalin
7. Authoritative Parenting: The Pros and Cons, According to a Child Psychologist
8. Authoritative parenting style - MSU Extension
9. Authoritarian Parenting: The Pros and Cons, According to a Child Psychologist
11. Permissive parenting style - MSU Extension
12. A Systematic Review of “Helicopter Parenting” and Its Relationship With Anxiety and Depression - PMC
13. Helicopter Parents: Signs & Effects, How to Change | Newport Academy
15. How Snowplow Parenting Impacts Kids, According to a Psychologist
16. Was 'America's worst mom' actually right all along? | RNZ
17. Let Grow Mission and Values | We Believe in Childhood Independence
18. Free-Range Parenting: 6 Pros and Cons
19. State Policies And Updates - Let Grow
20. What is Gentle Parenting? – Sarah Ockwell-Smith
21. 5.6: Parenting Style and Its Correlates - Social Sci LibreTexts
22. Melvin L. Kohn | American Sociological Association
1. What do Americans think about different parenting styles poll
2. Diana B Baumrind
3. Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept - PMC
5. Parenting Styles
6. CredibleMind | Jeff Nalin
7. Authoritative Parenting: The Pros and Cons, According to a Child Psychologist
8. Authoritative parenting style - MSU Extension
9. Authoritarian Parenting: The Pros and Cons, According to a Child Psychologist
11. Permissive parenting style - MSU Extension
12. A Systematic Review of “Helicopter Parenting” and Its Relationship With Anxiety and Depression - PMC
13. Helicopter Parents: Signs & Effects, How to Change | Newport Academy
15. How Snowplow Parenting Impacts Kids, According to a Psychologist
16. Was 'America's worst mom' actually right all along? | RNZ
17. Let Grow Mission and Values | We Believe in Childhood Independence
18. Free-Range Parenting: 6 Pros and Cons
19. State Policies And Updates - Let Grow
20. What is Gentle Parenting? – Sarah Ockwell-Smith
21. 5.6: Parenting Style and Its Correlates - Social Sci LibreTexts
22. Melvin L. Kohn | American Sociological Association
Should Schools Restrict Cell Phone Use?
MARCH 26th, 2024
While smartphones help kids connect, stay in touch with caregivers, and offer new learning methods, they're also a hot topic amongst parents: should they be banned from schools?
A Unesco report¹ has recommended a global ban to improve learning, help prevent cyberbullying, and remove distractions from the classroom.
With over three-quarters of schools² across the United States banning devices, a phone crackdown has begun.
Although parents have expressed concerns⁴ over kids' smartphone use, not all favor outright bans, citing safety factors.
What's going on? Should cell phones be allowed in schools? What are the pros and cons of cellphone bans? And do they work?
We reveal the answers to your questions in our guide below.
How Common Are Cell Phone Bans in Schools?
In Florida³, all public schools have a cell phone ban in the classroom. Vermont, Oklahoma, and Kansas have also introduced phone-free⁵ legislation.
Governor Spencer Cox urged school districts in Utah to remove⁵ cell phones from classrooms; also, the Orange County School Board barred⁶ students from using cell phones and other devices during the school day.
So, can we expect a national ban? Not likely, with the US Department of Education clarifying⁶ this is a state issue.
Globally, one in four⁷ countries say no to cell phones in schools, begging the question: are bans effective?
Governor Spencer Cox urged school districts in Utah to remove⁵ cell phones from classrooms; also, the Orange County School Board barred⁶ students from using cell phones and other devices during the school day.
So, can we expect a national ban? Not likely, with the US Department of Education clarifying⁶ this is a state issue.
Globally, one in four⁷ countries say no to cell phones in schools, begging the question: are bans effective?
Do School Bans Work?
It's hard to tell yet; there haven't been many US studies on how effective bans are in curbing distractions and cyberbullying.
But there's anecdotal evidence, with Heather Kreider, the principal of Edgewater High School in Florida's Orange County school district, explaining² the school's ban has been positive for their pupils' mental health: "Our kids are way more engaged. The apathy that we had seen from them in the last year to two years has seemed to wane. They seem more like they're waking back up to a social experience."
At Buxton Boarding School, in Massachusetts, where the school replaced smartphones with 'lightphones' (smartphone alternatives without apps, internet, and camera) for teachers and students, almost all staff and pupils agree⁸: the school is better off with more meaningful interactions, less screentime and fewer distractions.
Distractions, like text messages received in the classroom, will cost a child twenty¹ minutes of refocusing on the lesson.
A Spanish study⁹ of schools with bans found a significant reduction in cyberbullying in two regions, and one of those showed increased math and science test scores.
Norwegian research¹⁰ indicates that banning cell phones from school impacts grades positively and increases kids' probability of selecting an academic track at school. Also, schools reported less bullying.
Interestingly, both effects were higher among girls.
But there's anecdotal evidence, with Heather Kreider, the principal of Edgewater High School in Florida's Orange County school district, explaining² the school's ban has been positive for their pupils' mental health: "Our kids are way more engaged. The apathy that we had seen from them in the last year to two years has seemed to wane. They seem more like they're waking back up to a social experience."
At Buxton Boarding School, in Massachusetts, where the school replaced smartphones with 'lightphones' (smartphone alternatives without apps, internet, and camera) for teachers and students, almost all staff and pupils agree⁸: the school is better off with more meaningful interactions, less screentime and fewer distractions.
Distractions, like text messages received in the classroom, will cost a child twenty¹ minutes of refocusing on the lesson.
A Spanish study⁹ of schools with bans found a significant reduction in cyberbullying in two regions, and one of those showed increased math and science test scores.
Norwegian research¹⁰ indicates that banning cell phones from school impacts grades positively and increases kids' probability of selecting an academic track at school. Also, schools reported less bullying.
Interestingly, both effects were higher among girls.
Considering this evidence, it may seem surprising many oppose blanket bans. So why should cell phones be allowed in schools?
Should Schools Allow Phones? Arguments In Favor
For some parents, safety is high on their list of concerns. When Parents¹¹ asked readers about schools banning cell phones, they stated fears about a complete ban.
Whereas most agreed phone usage should be restricted, the biggest worry was kids not being able to contact parents in an emergency, like a school shooter breaking into the classroom. Take reader Britannie's comment¹¹: "Nope, not until keeping our kids safe in schools becomes a priority. And even then, my kids deserve a way to communicate with me anytime for any reason, especially when they feel unsafe or uncomfortable."
Other caregivers feel kids must learn restraint and a time and place for cell phone usage.
Critics¹² of the bans believe students who rely on their phones for jobs or family responsibilities need access to their cell phones, and they warn about an increase¹³ in disciplinary actions in school.
Whereas most agreed phone usage should be restricted, the biggest worry was kids not being able to contact parents in an emergency, like a school shooter breaking into the classroom. Take reader Britannie's comment¹¹: "Nope, not until keeping our kids safe in schools becomes a priority. And even then, my kids deserve a way to communicate with me anytime for any reason, especially when they feel unsafe or uncomfortable."
Other caregivers feel kids must learn restraint and a time and place for cell phone usage.
Critics¹² of the bans believe students who rely on their phones for jobs or family responsibilities need access to their cell phones, and they warn about an increase¹³ in disciplinary actions in school.
New York-based educator Shannon Moser¹⁴ felt parents were being pushed away when the Greece Central School District began cracking down on cell phones. She believes¹⁴ locking away phones will signal the end of a form of accountability for parents on both sides of the political divide. “Everything is just so politicized, so divisive. And I think parents just have a general fear of what’s happening with their kids during the day,”
Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in Schools? Arguments Against
Educators tired of battling for attention with devices in the classroom say they find teaching challenging⁵ when kids are betting on gambling apps or watching Netflix.
A survey¹⁵ by a Canadian middle school points to 75% of staff and 61% of parents believing cell phones negatively affect students' physical and mental health.
The influence social media wields on kids' well-being is another aspect proponents of a ban worry about.
Parents against the ban cite safety fears, and researcher Ed Lukes explains¹³ that in emergencies, students feel safer with a phone, but walking around in the school knowing that what they say or do can be filmed and put on social media can hurt their well-being.
Jack, a 15-year-old New Zealand-based student, illustrates this social pressure when he says,¹⁶ "How other kids smartphone use at school impacts me is negatively mostly … Everyone with a smartphone is mainly using it for social media. In and out of class you have the constant threat of any slip-up being recorded and posted for all to see. Interactions are more extreme if someone is filming it, [like] arguments, fights."
Finally, what about grades? Arnold Glass, a psychology professor who has studied the impact of cell phones on pupils' performance, says⁸, "They lose anywhere between a half and whole letter grade if they are allowed to consult their phones in class."
The debate rages on, and finding a system that works for teachers and parents won’t be straightforward.
Smartphones have tremendous upsides, but there are well-documented concerns about kids having them in schools. However, many feel cell phones shouldn’t be banned. Our deep dive shows both sides of the argument to help you stay informed.
A survey¹⁵ by a Canadian middle school points to 75% of staff and 61% of parents believing cell phones negatively affect students' physical and mental health.
The influence social media wields on kids' well-being is another aspect proponents of a ban worry about.
Parents against the ban cite safety fears, and researcher Ed Lukes explains¹³ that in emergencies, students feel safer with a phone, but walking around in the school knowing that what they say or do can be filmed and put on social media can hurt their well-being.
Jack, a 15-year-old New Zealand-based student, illustrates this social pressure when he says,¹⁶ "How other kids smartphone use at school impacts me is negatively mostly … Everyone with a smartphone is mainly using it for social media. In and out of class you have the constant threat of any slip-up being recorded and posted for all to see. Interactions are more extreme if someone is filming it, [like] arguments, fights."
Finally, what about grades? Arnold Glass, a psychology professor who has studied the impact of cell phones on pupils' performance, says⁸, "They lose anywhere between a half and whole letter grade if they are allowed to consult their phones in class."
The debate rages on, and finding a system that works for teachers and parents won’t be straightforward.
Smartphones have tremendous upsides, but there are well-documented concerns about kids having them in schools. However, many feel cell phones shouldn’t be banned. Our deep dive shows both sides of the argument to help you stay informed.
Sources:
1. Global education monitoring report, 2023: technology in education: a tool on whose terms? | UNESDOC
2. Cellphone Bans Can Ease Students' Stress and Anxiety, Educators Say
3. Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill to ban students from using phones and TikTok in schools | Orlando
4. Parenting approaches and concerns related to digital devices | Pew Research Center
5. Phones are distracting students | ABC NEWS
6. US schools ban 'rampant' post-pandemic cellphone use | Context
7. ‘Put learners first’: Unesco calls for global ban on smartphones in schools
8. What happens when a school bans smartphones? A complete transformation | Yahoo! News
9. Banning mobile phones in schools: evidence from regional-level policies in Spain | Emerald Insight
10. Essays on Empirical Labor and Health Economics | NHH
11. Why Most Parents Don't Want Cell Phones Banned In Schools
12. School Cellphone Bans Are Trending. Do They Work?
15. Cellphone Use Survey Results
16. Kids are on their phones more than ever. We asked parents what they’re doing about it
1. Global education monitoring report, 2023: technology in education: a tool on whose terms? | UNESDOC
2. Cellphone Bans Can Ease Students' Stress and Anxiety, Educators Say
3. Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill to ban students from using phones and TikTok in schools | Orlando
4. Parenting approaches and concerns related to digital devices | Pew Research Center
5. Phones are distracting students | ABC NEWS
6. US schools ban 'rampant' post-pandemic cellphone use | Context
7. ‘Put learners first’: Unesco calls for global ban on smartphones in schools
8. What happens when a school bans smartphones? A complete transformation | Yahoo! News
9. Banning mobile phones in schools: evidence from regional-level policies in Spain | Emerald Insight
10. Essays on Empirical Labor and Health Economics | NHH
11. Why Most Parents Don't Want Cell Phones Banned In Schools
12. School Cellphone Bans Are Trending. Do They Work?
14. Parents pushback on cellphone bans at school | PBS NewsHour
15. Cellphone Use Survey Results
16. Kids are on their phones more than ever. We asked parents what they’re doing about it