Cellphone Bans Gain Momentum in Schools as Research Shows Academic Benefits but Raises Mental Health Questions

-Editorial 

Many states have enacted laws requiring school districts to implement cellphone bans in K-12 classrooms. Most such bans prohibit cell phone usage throughout the entire school day.

Last week, a court found social media giants Meta and YouTube complicit in creating social media addiction among young people. Children and young adults spend an average of 5.5 hours a day on their phones, largely fueled by social media.

A growing body of international research suggests that banning student cellphones in schools may improve academic performance and classroom behavior, while evidence on mental health impacts remains inconclusive, according to Timothy Pressley, an associate professor of psychology at Christopher Newport University.

Pressley said existing studies on cellphone bans, sometimes referred to as “phone bans” in academic literature, are still limited, though expanding across multiple countries. “Our knowledge on the impact is still growing, and we still need a lot more research,” he said.

Researchers have examined several policy models, including “bell-to-bell” bans that prohibit phone use throughout the school day, instructional bans that limit use during class time, and targeted restrictions for specific settings such as testing or recess. Some states have adopted flexible approaches, allowing districts to choose the model that best fits their needs.

Research reviewed by Pressley indicates that cellphone bans generally lead to improved academic performance, particularly among lower-achieving and disadvantaged students.

“The strongest evidence is academic gains for those students once the ban is in place,” Pressley said.

However, results are not always immediate. He noted a study in Florida that showed no improvement in the first year of implementation, followed by measurable gains in the second year.

In contrast, studies examining mental health outcomes have produced inconsistent results.

Research conducted in Australia found a decrease in bullying but no measurable change in anxiety or depression. Similar studies in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Spain reported little to no difference in those areas.

“It’s very hard to draw any firm conclusions about mental health benefits,” Pressley said, citing variations in how bans are implemented and the continued use of cellphones outside of school.

More consistent findings have emerged in student behavior and classroom engagement. Schools implementing bans often report fewer disruptions and increased focus.

Pressley also pointed to a study in New York City that found a roughly 50% increase in participation in after-school activities and sporting events, suggesting improved peer interaction.

“Students were interacting more frequently and showing up to support one another,” he said.

Despite potential benefits, cellphone bans have raised concerns among stakeholders.

Parents have expressed worry about their ability to contact children during emergencies or coordinate daily logistics such as transportation and family responsibilities.

Some students report increased anxiety when separated from their phones. One study cited by Pressley found that mental health worsened for certain students due to “separation anxiety.”

Students have also raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement and fairness in disciplinary measures.

Teachers, meanwhile, have noted that phones can serve as backup tools for instruction when school technology fails or access to certain websites is restricted.

Pressley emphasized that effective policies require careful planning and community involvement.

He recommended that school leaders engage students, parents, teachers, and administrators before adopting a policy and clearly define its purpose — whether focused on academics, behavior, social interaction, or mental health.

“This is going to take buy-in from all teachers to enforce the policy fairly,” Pressley said.

Schools should also provide training and support for teachers, establish clear rules and exceptions, and ensure consistent enforcement across classrooms.