New Cellphone Restrictions for Students: How 17 States are Changing the Game This School Year

Jamel Bishop is starting his senior year at Doss High School in Louisville, Kentucky, and things are changing. Cellphones are now banned during class time. Jamel has noticed a big difference. In the past, students often tuned out and lost track of time because they were on their phones. Now, with fewer distractions, teachers can give more attention to those who need extra help.

Kentucky is among 17 states and Washington, D.C., implementing restrictions this school year, bringing the total to 35 states limiting phones in schools. This shift is happening quickly. Florida led the way, passing its cellphone ban in 2023.

Both sides of the political aisle are on board, reflecting a growing belief that phones negatively affect kids’ mental health and distract from learning. Rep. Scott Hilton from Georgia noted, “When states like California and Florida take action, it shows the issue is gaining traction.”

In some states, phones are banned completely during school hours, while others allow them during lunch or between classes. This has led to new routines. Students often have to store their phones in designated pouches or lockers before class. For example, at McNair High School in Georgia, students have been locking up their phones for a while. Audreanna Johnson, a junior, initially resisted but has noticed a change. “More students are willing to give up their phones now,” she said.

Still, there are downsides. Some students miss listening to music while they work. “I’m torn because I use music to focus,” Audreanna shared.

An Emory University survey of Georgia school districts revealed that many parents oppose cellphone restrictions. Issues of safety in schools are a common concern. Audrena Johnson, Audreanna’s mother, worries that not having her child’s phone means she might miss important safety alerts. “If something happens, I want to know instantly,” Audrena stated.

Parents generally support the idea of restrictions but want better communication about safety and a say in policy decisions, according to Jason Allen of the National Parents Union. “Changing the cellphone policy isn’t enough if we aren’t addressing parents’ concerns about safety,” he emphasized.

Research on cellphone bans yields mixed results. Julie Gazmararian, a public health professor at Emory University, found that teachers appreciate less disruption in class. “They could focus more on teaching,” she noted. Many students have also started communicating more face-to-face instead of through screens, leading to a warmer school atmosphere.

However, other experts caution that we still don’t fully understand how social media affects mental health. Munmun De Choudhury, a Georgia Tech professor, emphasizes the need to differentiate between harmful and beneficial types of social media use.

Despite the trend toward bans, some states are pushing back. For example, the Wyoming Senate recently rejected a mandate for cellphone policies, arguing that it’s a shared responsibility between teachers and parents. Michigan’s House also voted down a bill aimed at banning phones during school hours, prioritizing local control instead.

As schools navigate these changes, striking a balance between safety and fostering a productive learning environment remains a complex issue.

For further details on the mental health impact of social media, you can refer to research from the American Psychological Association.

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Children, Government policy, Mental health, Education, Schools, Technology, U.S. news, General news, Article, 124835644