More States Enact Student Cellphone Bans in Schools

A growing number of U.S. states—including Ohio, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Oklahoma—have enacted or expanded bans on student cell phone use during school hours, citing concerns over academic distraction, mental health, and safety. New laws generally require school districts to prohibit cellphone use during instructional hours, with exceptions for health, emergencies, or educational purposes, and deadlines for implementation varying by state. Some policies extend to 'bell-to-bell' bans, requiring devices to be locked away throughout the school day, especially in elementary and middle schools, while high schools may have looser restrictions. The movement has sparked debate among parents and educators over issues like student safety, focus, cyberbullying, and challenges in communication and enforcement. Recent studies indicate teens receive hundreds of messages daily and spend over five hours per day on their devices, fueling concerns about academic performance and well-being. Nationwide, at least 27 states now require some form of restriction on student cellphone use in schools.