What's happened
Multiple US states and districts are implementing total bans on personal devices in classrooms to reduce distractions and improve learning. The move is bipartisan, supported by parents and educators, and backed by studies linking screen time to mental health issues and academic decline. The laws will take effect in the 2026-27 school year.
What's behind the headline?
The bipartisan support for school phone bans signals a significant shift in educational policy, driven by widespread concerns over digital distractions and mental health. These laws, championed by both conservative and liberal leaders, are rooted in the belief that reducing screen time will enhance attentiveness and social interaction. However, the evidence linking screen time to harm remains contested, with some scholars citing weak or inconclusive data. The recent studies measuring actual device activity suggest that teens spend considerable time on social media and gaming during school, which correlates with poorer academic performance and mental health issues. The laws' enforcement relies on confiscation of physical devices, making implementation straightforward. While these bans may improve classroom focus, they also raise questions about digital literacy and the role of technology in education. The next phase will test whether such policies can balance safety and engagement without unintended consequences.
What the papers say
The Independent reports bipartisan support for school phone bans, citing surveys showing 69% of Americans favor such measures. Io Dodds highlights the role of psychologist Jonathan Haidt, whose 2024 book linked social media to mental health crises among youth, influencing policymakers. The New York Times details New Jersey's recent law signed by Gov. Murphy, emphasizing the benefits of reduced distractions and increased social interaction. AP News notes the widespread adoption of similar laws across multiple states, with schools like Ramsey High School already implementing device storage pouches. Contrasting opinions include scholars like Stanford's Thomas Robinson, who points out the lack of conclusive evidence on harm from screen time, and critics who argue that bans may oversimplify complex issues surrounding youth mental health and digital engagement.
How we got here
The push for phone bans in US schools gained momentum in 2025, driven by concerns over screen time's impact on mental health and attention spans. Influential figures like psychologist Jonathan Haidt linked social media use to rising mental health diagnoses among youth. Several states, including New Jersey, California, and others, have enacted or are enacting laws to restrict device use during school hours, reflecting a broader bipartisan consensus.
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Common question
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Why Are US States Banning Phones in Schools?
Many US states are implementing bans on cellphones in classrooms to tackle issues like distractions, mental health concerns, and to improve learning environments. But what’s driving these laws, and how will they impact students and teachers? Below, we explore the reasons behind these bans, their effects, and what the future holds for school policies on cellphones.
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Are Cell Phone Bans in Schools Actually Helping Students Focus?
With many US states banning cell phones in schools starting in 2026, questions are swirling about whether these policies truly improve learning. Are these bans making classrooms better or are they just restrictions? Below, we explore the reasons behind these bans, what educators and parents think, and how they might change the way students use technology in class.
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Sarah Elizabeth Huckabee Sanders is an American politician serving as the 47th and current governor of Arkansas since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, she was the 31st White House press secretary, serving under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2
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Philip Dunton Murphy is an American financier, diplomat and politician serving as the 56th Governor of New Jersey since January 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, he defeated then Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno in the 2017 gubernatorial election.
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Jonathan David Haidt is an American social psychologist, Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University Stern School of Business, and author. His main areas of study are the psychology of morality and moral emotions.