Bipartisan Push for Cellphone Bans in Schools Gathers Momentum Across U.S.
Cellphone bans in schools are gaining popularity in both red and blue states, with state leaders like Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom joining forces in support of this initiative. Despite their ideological differences, both governors back the rapidly growing movement to restrict student cellphone usage during school hours.
Over the past two years, at least eight states have enacted policies banning or restricting student cellphone use, with several other states considering similar measures for 2025.
Why Are States Banning Cellphones in Schools?
The rising trend of cellphone bans stems from growing concerns over the effects of screen time on children’s mental health and the increasing distractions caused by cellphones in the classroom. Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, has highlighted the need for phone-free times in schools and called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms about their negative impact on young people’s lives.
A survey by the National Center for Education Statistics revealed that 77% of U.S. schools have some form of cellphone ban for non-academic use, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Teachers and parents alike are voicing concerns about how these devices hinder students’ ability to focus and engage in their education.
Kim Whitman, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement, explained that the issue resonates across political lines. “It doesn’t matter where you live, whether in urban or rural areas—children everywhere are struggling with the pressures of phones and social media,” Whitman said. “They need a seven-hour break from these distractions.”
Which States Are Enacting Cellphone Bans?
At least eight states have passed or are considering cellphone bans for schools, including California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. These bans vary in scope:
- Florida was the first state to pass a law requiring all public schools to ban cellphone use during class and block access to social media on district Wi-Fi, beginning in 2023.
- California passed a law in 2024 mandating nearly 1,000 school districts to create their own cellphone policies by July 2026.
- Arkansas Gov. Sanders announced a pilot program in 2024, providing grants to schools that implement phone-free policies. Over 100 schools participated, and she proposed a statewide ban in her 2025 state address.
Other states, including New Hampshire, Iowa, Nebraska, and potentially New York, have shown interest in enforcing such policies.
Opposition to the Bans
Opponents of the bans argue that cellphones are crucial for emergencies, especially in light of recent school shootings, where students used their phones to communicate with loved ones. Some parents believe restricting cellphone access removes a vital means of contacting their children during emergencies or coordinating transportation.
However, supporters of the bans argue that phones can create additional risks during emergencies by distracting students or compromising their safety in situations like active shooter events. They also note that phone-free environments can help students focus better on learning.
Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union, shared concerns about the bans’ effectiveness. “We need to teach our kids how to navigate technology responsibly instead of simply banning devices,” Rodrigues said. “This approach doesn’t address the root causes of issues like bullying or the dangers of social media.”
Source: AP News
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