As more parents and young people reconsider constant smartphone use, a growing number of states are enacting restrictions on cellphone access in schools. However, a new analysis reveals significant variation in the strength of these policies.
State Policies on Cellphones in Schools
According to a report released by the Becca Schmill Foundation, the Institute for Families and Technology, Smartphone-Free Childhood US, and Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, only two states – North Dakota and Rhode Island – currently meet the “gold standard” for phone-free schools. These states require students to keep personal electronic devices inaccessible throughout the entire school day, a policy known as “bell-to-bell.”
Seventeen states and Washington, DC, earned a “B” grade for implementing bell-to-bell policies, but with stipulations allowing phones to be stored in accessible locations. Eight states received a “C” for prohibiting phone use only during classroom instruction. These grades were assigned based on adherence to criteria outlined in a model bill from the Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project.
Lina Nealon, director of strategic partnerships at the Institute for Families and Technology, emphasized the importance of comprehensive policies. “Not all laws are created equal and we want to make sure that all students in the nation are benefiting from what we know are the strongest phone-free schools policies,” she said. “So through this report card we really want to validate those who are doing well and encourage those who either don’t have a law or who are missing the mark to do better and then to give them the tools to do that.”
Some lawmakers in states with lower grades have cited a desire to maintain local control over school policies. However, Nealon argues that this issue transcends local autonomy. “This is now a public health issue. It’s an educational issue,” she stated, drawing a parallel to established policies regarding smoking and asbestos in schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “bell-to-bell” policy?
A “bell-to-bell” policy requires students to keep their personal electronic devices in inaccessible locations throughout the entire school day.
Which states received the highest grade in the recent analysis?
North Dakota and Rhode Island received the highest grade, indicating they have the strictest phone-free school policies.
What are some of the arguments against banning cellphones in schools?
Some argue that students need cellphones for safety reasons, such as contacting family in emergencies, or for educational purposes like using them as calculators or for music to aid focus.
The debate over cellphone restrictions in schools is likely to continue as states weigh the potential benefits against concerns about student access and safety. It is possible that more states will adopt stricter policies in the future, potentially following the lead of North Dakota and Rhode Island. Alternatively, some states may continue to prioritize local control, resulting in a patchwork of regulations across the country.
How might a nationwide standard for cellphone use in schools impact the learning environment for students?
