Cellphone Bans Expand Across 17 States, District Schools

Across the United States, states and school districts are increasingly implementing cellphone bans or restrictions during instructional hours to improve student focus and mental health. Ohio has enacted a state law requiring all public schools to prohibit cellphone use during class time, with exceptions for learning and health needs, reflecting a broader trend seen in 35 states. In New York, schools are adopting bell-to-bell bans but face challenges in logistics and budget constraints, while teacher unions advocate for additional support amid federal funding cuts. Colorado is navigating a new law that mandates districts to adopt cellphone policies by 2026, with varying approaches; Boulder Valley School District has seen positive effects by creating phone-free social spaces to encourage face-to-face interaction. Denver Public Schools are still considering district-wide policies, weighing the educational benefits and distractions of cellphone use. These movements enjoy bipartisan support due to concerns about phones' negative impact on learning and mental health, though implementation strategies and enforcement vary.