Some states in the U.S. are responding to calls for stricter protocols or outright bans on cellphone usage by students. Arizona, for example, is the latest state attempting to restrict usage, with the legislature arguing that a broader law is necessary. In April, Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill that would have limited cellphone use in Arizona’s public schools. Tom Horne, state superintendent of public instruction for the Arizona Department of Education, and others recently held a news conference to make the case for a state-wide cellphone ban in schools. Horne described cellphone use as a “serious problem” that has gradually worsened over time, stating that students cannot effectively learn while distracted by their phones. He likened cellphone use to heroin, emphasizing that teachers should not have to compete with electronic distractions in the classroom.
At least 11 other U.S. states have passed laws or enacted policies that ban or restrict students’ use of cellphones in schools. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board of education, for example, voted to ban students from using smartphones during the school day. This district is the largest to adopt such a ban, with implementation required by 2025. The California School Boards Association has supported local decision-making on smartphone policies, indicating that school leaders are best positioned to address concerns and support student learning. Virginia and Connecticut have also taken steps to regulate cellphone use in schools, with Governor Glenn Youngkin issuing an executive order in Virginia to create policies for removing cellphones from K-12 public schools.
Some states, such as Arkansas, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, have taken an incentivized approach by providing storage pouches for students’ phones during school hours. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders highlighted the desire to create an environment conducive to learning, with the majority of districts planning to join in the initiative. Dr. Willough Jenkins, a pediatric psychiatrist, noted negative impacts of phone usage on children’s mental health and overall engagement. Device usage can crowd out other activities, impacting socialization and extracurricular involvement. Jenkins emphasized the importance of considering students who may require phones for medical reasons or communication purposes when implementing cellphone policies in schools.
Parents have expressed concerns about emergency situations in which children may need to reach them urgently, advocating for retaining cellphones during the day for safety reasons. Overall, the debate around cellphone use in schools continues to evolve as states and districts navigate the balance between educational benefits and potential distractions posed by electronic devices. It remains crucial for policymakers and educators to consider the diverse needs of students while promoting a conducive learning environment free from unnecessary distractions.
