The Impact of Cellphone Bans in Schools

Introduction

A Norwegian study has found that banning cellphones in schools has led to improved academic performance, a decrease in bullying, and a reduction in students' need for counseling. The study, which was authored by postdoctoral researcher Sara Sofie Abrahamsson, revealed that girls benefited the most from these policies.

Study Findings

The study, which focused on data from 2010 to 2020, found no negative impact from introducing such a policy. Tom Kersting, a psychotherapist and former school counselor for 25 years, concurred with the report’s findings, stating that cellphones are a significant distraction in the classroom. He further speculated that Norway would see improvements in students’ academics, mental health, and social and emotional skills as a result of the ban.

Major Findings

Abrahamsson used a survey to collect data from Norwegian middle schools on smartphone use and whether they had introduced any smartphone regulations. The data was then matched to a school’s data, including student grades set by teachers and external exams, student GPAs, student visits to psychologists and general practitioners, and measurements for bullying. The study found that the stricter the smartphone policy, the greater the improvement among female students. However, smartphone bans did not affect boys’ mental health and GPA.

Smartphone Bans in the United States

In the United States, a 2024 survey by America’s National Parents Union found that only 32 percent of parents support schools banning students from using their phones, though 43 percent reported that their child’s school had such a policy. Over 76 percent of schools prohibited nonacademic use of cellphones or smartphones during school hours in the 2019–2020 school year. Several school districts have introduced more stringent phone policies that have received growing support from teachers, students, and parents alike.

Changing Attitudes Towards Smartphone Bans

Bill Wilson, the superintendent of Brush School District in Colorado, introduced a change to the district’s cellphone policy in 2021. Initially, many parents were opposed to the policy, fearing that it would infringe on their children's rights. However, the policy was later amended to allow students to have their phones in their backpacks, and parents gradually warmed up to the policy. In schools that have implemented cellphone restrictions, teachers have reported that their students are more engaged in and out of class, and disciplinary actions have been reduced.

Conclusion

Smartphone bans at schools across the United States are gradually becoming the norm. In 2023, Florida became the first state to enact a statewide ban on phones and social media during class time. Other states and school districts have since followed suit, implementing their own phone bans.

This article raises the question of whether banning cellphones in schools is the right approach to improving academic performance and reducing bullying. What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is everyday at 6pm.