What's happened
Multiple US states, including New Jersey, California, and Maine, are implementing bans on cellphones in classrooms to reduce distractions and improve learning. These measures, supported bipartisan, aim to limit screen time and digital distractions during school hours, with laws set to take effect in the 2026-27 school year.
What's behind the headline?
The bipartisan support for school cellphone bans signals a significant shift in educational policy, driven by concerns over mental health and distraction. These laws are straightforward to enforce, relying on confiscation rather than technological solutions, making them politically attractive. While some scholars question the strength of evidence linking screen time to harm, recent studies show teens spend over an hour daily on phones during school, mostly on social media and gaming, which correlates with poorer academic performance. The bans are likely to foster more attentive, social classroom environments, as evidenced by student reports of calmer days and increased face-to-face interaction. However, the long-term impact on student engagement and mental health remains to be fully understood, and the laws may face resistance from students and digital advocates. Overall, these measures will likely reshape classroom dynamics and set a precedent for further regulation of digital device use in education.
What the papers say
The Independent reports bipartisan support for bans, citing studies and expert opinions on screen time and mental health. The New York Times details New Jersey's legislation, highlighting student experiences and legislative approval. AP News emphasizes the legislative process and implementation timeline, noting the widespread adoption across states. While sources differ in emphasis, all agree that the movement toward banning phones in schools is gaining momentum, driven by concerns over distraction and mental health, with clear legislative backing and positive anecdotal feedback from students.
How we got here
The push for school cellphone bans has gained momentum over recent years, driven by concerns over screen time, mental health, and distraction. Influential figures like psychologist Jonathan Haidt have linked social media use to mental health issues among youth, prompting legislative action. Several states have already enacted or are preparing to enforce such bans, reflecting a broader national trend.
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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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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.