A No-Phone Zone? The Benefits of Limiting Cell Phones in Schools

April 07, 2025

University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children'sExperts in Children's Health

With the rise of smartphones and social media, today’s teens and tweens are spending more time on their personal devices and less time engaging with the world around them. This has become a problem in the classroom, where educators see smartphones as a distraction to learning and interacting with peers.

Now, states across the country are requiring school districts to implement policies that will limit or prohibit cell phone use in schools. Although these policies may meet with some resistance, making school a phone-free zone is providing a better environment for learning and engagement, says Kevin Turner, MD, Division Chief of General Clinical Pediatrics at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s.

Smartphones Have Changed Teens’ Lives

Research shows that smart phones and social media have transformed how teens interact with each other and the world, Dr. Turner says. The average teen is on their phone for over four hours a day and receives dozens of notifications every hour. This means they are often distracted, multitasking and switching between different activities.

Teens often display patterns of anxiety and dependence on their devices. They may feel the urge to check their devices frequently, even at times when it may be inappropriate, such as during school, studying or extracurricular activities.

The reliance on their devices can affect their academic and social development and lead to issues with time management, attention span and mental health, Dr. Turner says. Anxiety and depression have been increasing in adolescents in recent years, alongside the rise of social media, its impact on self-esteem and the decline of face-to-face interactions.

Restricting Phones in Schools

Schools and state legislators are taking note of these issues, and cell phone restriction policies are becoming the norm in many places. Some schools may require phones to be put away the entire day, while others may allow them during lunch or free periods. Other policies require students to keep phones in their lockers, while others are allowed to carry them in a small, locked bag called a Yondr pouch.

Almost all schools that enact these policies are noticing a dramatic difference in kids’ behavior at school. Not only are kids more engaged and less distracted in the classroom, it’s positively impacting social interactions between students as well.

“The data is pretty clear that limiting cell phone use at school improves students’ engagement with each other and decreases distractions,” says Dr. Turner. “It allows them to be present and to interact. It helps them both in school and at home.”

Responding to Pushback

While most parents support making schools phone-free, there’s some concern over children being unable to communicate with their parents during the school day. However, most schools have ways to deal with this, such as designated unlock zones or using office phones to contact parents. Many schools also allow students to have tablets/laptops, which enable communication.

There are also exceptions for students with certain disabilities or medical conditions – for instance, a child with diabetes who needs their phone to monitor blood sugar levels.

Changing How Students Communicate at School

Overall, cell phone restrictions are overwhelmingly supported by parents and teachers. The increased attention and engagement of students outweighs any potential drawbacks. Even students may find that restricting their phone use during the school day can spill over and positively affect their phone habits outside of school.

Dr. Turner says we should get away from thinking of it as a cell phone “ban.” Instead, students and parents should focus on making school a smartphone-free space that promotes communicating with peers and teachers face-to-face, not through a screen.

“The technology is not the enemy, it’s how we use it,” he says. “We’re not limiting their connection to the world. We’re changing the way they connect and communicate with others at school.”