US Majority Public Schools Enforce Classroom Cellphone Bans Amid Safety Benefits

Across the United States and internationally, there is a growing trend toward restricting or banning cellphone use in schools to improve student mental health, reduce distractions, and enhance school climate. In Colorado, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet has proposed a statewide ban on cellphones in classrooms, aiming to replace the current patchwork of district-level policies and address mental health concerns linked to social media and AI. Nationally, most schools allow phones but restrict their use during the school day, with research showing these policies improve school climate and reduce cyberbullying. In Texas, newly implemented statewide cellphone bans have seen few issues reported in districts, though enforcement and incidents vary. Similarly, in Spain, local governments have introduced clear protocols and educational campaigns to phase out mobile phone use in schools, emphasizing responsible digital habits and the negative impact of phones on learning and social interactions. Overall, research and surveys indicate that while restrictive cellphone policies are becoming widespread, their implementation and reception differ by region, with most educators and many students supporting some level of classroom cellphone restrictions.