School cell phone bans have been around for many years. But until recently, each school—or even each teacher—made their own rules.

    Then, in May 2023, that changed. Florida passed a law. It banned phones in K-12 classrooms. It was the first state to do that. Since then, other states have also set rules (see map above).

    So what’s the fuss about phones? The answer isn’t surprising. Many teachers and school officials say that phones are a distraction. They also say phone use is out of control. One study found that 97 percent of 11- to 17-year-olds with phones use them in school.

    Experts say that scrolling divides our attention. For example, we can’t focus on an algebra problem if we’re checking texts.

    We could put our phones in our backpacks. But that might not be enough. Research suggests that having our phones nearby is distracting. That might make it harder to learn.

    School cell phone bans have been around almost as long as the phones themselves. But until recently, it was up to each school—or even each teacher—to make their own rules.

    Then, in May 2023, that changed when Florida became the first state to pass a law banning phones in K-12 classrooms. Since then, other states have set their own rules (see map above).

    So what’s all the fuss about phones? You probably won’t find the answer surprising. Many teachers and school officials argue that phones are a distraction. They also say phone use is out of control. One study found that 97 percent of 11- to 17-year-olds with phones use them in school. 

    Experts say all that scrolling divides our brain’s attention. It’s impossible to focus on an algebra problem, for example, if we’re constantly checking texts or DMs.

    But stashing our phones in our backpacks might not be enough. Research suggests that having our phones nearby is distracting and might make it harder to learn.

    Not everyone supports phone bans. Some teachers say phones are useful. Students can use them to take notes. They can create podcasts or videos.

    Many parents worry about being able to reach their kids. What if pickup plans change? What if there’s an emergency, like a fire? Without phones, students can’t let their families know they’re safe.

    But there’s another reason people oppose banning phones. They say bans are not realistic.

    Dr. Heidi Schumacher is a pediatrician and school health expert. She says no one tells adults to put their phones away and focus on work. So teaching kids healthy phone habits now is a better idea.

    “Phones are everywhere, and they’re here to stay,” she says. “We need to help kids build healthy habits that they can take into their futures.”

    Not everyone supports phone bans, however. Some teachers regard phones as helpful learning tools that students can use to take notes or create podcasts or videos.

    Furthermore, many parents worry about how they can reach their kids during the school day if they don’t have phones. What if pickup plans change? What if there’s an emergency, like a fire or a lockdown? Without phones, students couldn’t let their families know they were safe.

    But there’s another reason some people oppose banning phones. They argue that it’s not realistic.

    Dr. Heidi Schumacher, a pediatrician and school health expert in Vermont, thinks it would be better to teach kids healthy phone habits. After all, no one’s going to tell you to put your phone away and focus on work once you’re an adult.

    “Phones are everywhere, and they’re here to stay,” Schumacher argues. “We need to help kids build healthy habits that they can take into their futures.”