What's happened
Multiple US states and districts, including New Jersey, California, and Maine, are implementing bans on cellphones in classrooms to reduce distractions and improve learning. These laws, supported bipartisan, will take effect in the 2026-27 school year, aiming to limit screen time and digital distractions during school hours.
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 largely motivated by public opinion and advocacy from figures like psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who links social media to rising mental health issues among youth. While research remains inconclusive about the direct harms of screen time, 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. Schools report that banning phones creates a calmer, more social environment, and parents and educators widely support these measures. However, critics argue that the evidence linking screen time to harm is weak and that bans may oversimplify complex issues. The next phase will test how effectively these laws reduce digital distractions and whether they improve student well-being and learning outcomes in the long term.
What the papers say
The Independent reports bipartisan support and public backing for phone bans, highlighting studies and expert opinions. The New York Times details New Jersey's legislation and school experiences, emphasizing student perspectives. AP News provides context on the legislative process and implementation timelines. Contrasting opinions include critics questioning the evidence base, while supporters cite mental health concerns and behavioral improvements as justification for the bans.
How we got here
The push for cellphone bans in US schools gained momentum in 2025, driven by concerns over screen time, mental health, and distraction. Bipartisan support grew as studies linked social media and smartphone use to mental health issues among youth, prompting legislation across multiple states. The movement echoes past efforts to regulate technology in schools, with laws now set to be enforced nationwide.
Go deeper
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.