Recent studies have highlighted a growing trend among schools across the United States to implement bans on cellphones and tablets during school hours. In fact, 20 states and territories, including Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands currently prohibit these discriminatory practices. These policies make every effort to ensure a serious, single-minded learning environment. We allow the loophole to continue for students with disabilities with individualized education programs.
In Florida, a school district that implemented a cellphone ban first saw a spike in disciplinary problems. According to reports, suspension rates more than doubled in the month immediately following the ban’s adoption. By contrast, during the 30 days leading up to the ban, this rate was considerably lower. These increased suspension rates continued for the duration of their first school year. The year after the ban went into effect, disciplinary incidents rocketed back to pre-ban rates. Suspension rates went back to their historical trends.
Surprisingly, cellphone bans had the biggest impact on middle and high school students. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that test scores increased by about 2-3 percentiles in the second year after the ban was implemented. Schools will need to prepare in the short-term for an increase in disciplinary problems as students adjust. This short-term inconvenience can result in big long-term dividends in improved academic performance.
New York City has taken a holistic view, making its cellphone ban cover smartwatches and tablets too. At the other end of the spectrum, 17 states—including Maryland and Wyoming—have not passed any statewide prohibitions on cellphones in schools. 16 states have moved in the opposite direction, providing more flexibility by leaving it up to local districts to set their own policy. Puerto Rico has required schools to adopt a cellphone policy by 2026.
As a result, the Florida study offers some important lessons for schools looking to implement similar bans. It paints a very real picture of unintended consequences that can occur with any early enforcement implementation, from a spike in disciplinary rates to other unintended outcomes. It points to the academic gains that can come after schools adjust to the new rules.
“A significant jump in student disciplinary incidents and suspensions.” – National Bureau of Economic Research study
“These heightened suspension rates persisted throughout the rest of the school year and returned to pre-ban levels in the second year.” – Researchers
“About 2-3 percentiles.” – National Bureau of Economic Research study
