Multiple U.S. School Districts Implement Stricter Cellphone Bans to Enhance Focus

Several states have implemented or strengthened cellphone bans and restrictions in schools to improve student focus and mental health. North Dakota's statewide "bell-to-bell" ban, supported by Gov. Kelly Armstrong, aims to reduce distractions and anxiety, with Grand Forks Public Schools recently enforcing it, receiving mixed but mostly positive feedback from parents and administrators. Mustang Public Schools in Oklahoma, which implemented a similar policy last year, report significant decreases in cellphone-related incidents and improved student engagement and kindness. In Montana, Frenchtown Schools have updated their cellphone policies to limit usage during academic time, highlighting social media's negative impact on student well-being. Wasatch County School District in Utah is gathering feedback on their newly revised policy aligned with state law, which restricts phone use during class with escalating consequences for violations, though some board members express reservations. Nebraska schools report minimal disruption from a new law restricting cellphone use, as most districts already had similar policies in place, emphasizing ongoing efforts to separate students' digital lives from their education.