Multiple Countries Implement Smartphone Bans in Schools Amid Safety, Focus Concerns

Globally, there is a growing trend toward banning or restricting smartphone use in schools to improve focus, learning outcomes, and student well-being. In the U.S., Watertown High School has launched a pilot program using the Doorman app to digitally limit phone functionality during class, allowing access only to teacher-approved apps. France is implementing a nationwide ban on mobile phones in middle schools, backed by strong public support and concerns over mental health impacts linked to screen time, as emphasized by Education Minister Élisabeth Borne. Similarly, Albania's Ministry of Education and Sports has reinforced strict mobile phone bans in schools, highlighting benefits such as reduced distractions and bullying risks. Meanwhile, in the U.K., Edinburgh is conducting a two-year trial using phone pouches before deciding on a broader ban, with officials recommending impact assessments to balance safety and community input. Contrasting these policies, Tel Aviv is facing student opposition to a pilot smartphone ban in six high schools, with concerns about emergency communications and extracurricular coordination driving organized protests.