Increasingly, states and territories are banning cellphones and tablets during school hours. Now, 20 jurisdictions—Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands are the most recent—have passed such measures. These device bans are implemented with the intention of minimizing distractions and maximizing student focus, especially for students in middle and high school levels. Most importantly, all of these bans have exceptions for students with disabilities who are covered by individualized education programs.
In a recent study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, a Florida school district’s cellphone ban initially resulted in increased disciplinary issues. Even after this ban went into effect, suspension rates increased dramatically. In fact, they more than doubled in the month that followed, relative to the month prior. Looking at each month since, the national suspension rate has consistently been at least 25 percent higher than the same month in the previous school year.
“a significant jump in student disciplinary incidents and suspensions” – researchers
Student test scores increased significantly, with students gaining 2-3 percentiles as the rate of academic performance leveled off. Yet this growing trend sheds light on an admittedly complex relationship between cellphone bans and student behavior. Test scores increased following an uptick in school disciplinary actions. That’s a great example of how change is often tough, but change can open the door to long-term benefits down the line.
“about 2-3 percentiles” – National Bureau of Economic Research study
New York City recently broadened its cellphone ban to include smartwatches and tablets. This decision is an example of a larger movement among school districts to limit digital distractions. Compared to this, 17 states—like neighboring Maryland and Wyoming—have never passed a single statewide restriction on cellphones in schools. Sixteen other states, as well as the District of Columbia, have gone with a more flexible approach. Instead, they allow local districts to determine their own cellphone policies.
Puerto Rico gives schools until 2026 to adopt a cellphone policy. This action reflects the trend of restricting device use as a key priority in school settings right now. The experience from the Florida school district offers important lessons for other schools looking to enact similar bans. Though there will likely be enforcement challenges initially, the future academic landscape seems as promising as it is brightening.
