States Implement Cell Phone Restrictions in Schools

Across various U.S. states, schools are implementing or considering restrictions on cellphone use to enhance student learning and social interactions. In Minnesota, policies vary by district, with some requiring phones to be out of sight during class time, while others allow limited use. A recent poll in Missouri showed 72% of voters support a statewide ban on cellphones for high school students, reflecting growing concern about distractions in classrooms. Meanwhile, California's Assembly Bill 3216, known as the Phone-Free School Act, mandates that districts develop cellphone policies by July 2026 due to links between smartphone use and reduced academic performance. The Los Angeles Unified School District has already approved a ban starting in January 2025, echoing similar trends in other states. As schools adapt to these policies, the emphasis is increasingly placed on fostering in-person communication and combatting issues related to mental health and academic integrity.