A recent analysis grades states based on the strength of their laws restricting cellphone use in schools, finding significant variation in effectiveness. The “Phone-Free Schools State Report Card” assigns grades from A to F, with only North Dakota and Rhode Island earning top marks for their strict, bell-to-bell bans requiring devices be stored out of reach throughout the school day.
Why This Matters: The rise in state-level legislation reflects growing concern over the impact of smartphone use on student learning, mental health, and teacher retention. As of late last month, 40 states had some form of phone-free legislation, but the report highlights that simply having a law is not enough. The quality of enforcement and the scope of the ban are critical factors.
From Lax Rules to Strict Bans
The report card, compiled by the Institute for Families and Technology, Smartphone Free Childhood US, the Becca Schmill Foundation, and The Anxious Generation, tracks the evolution of these laws. Initially, many states adopted limited bans, restricting phone use only during instructional time while allowing access during breaks. However, 17 states, including Florida, Louisiana, and Indiana, have since tightened their policies to require phones be inaccessible all day.
Most states (17 plus the District of Columbia) received a “B” grade for implementing bell-to-bell mandates. The report card authors argue that comprehensive bans are more effective, as research suggests the addictive nature of smartphones makes it difficult for students (and adults) to ignore notifications. The report also cites data showing teacher retention improves when phones are inaccessible, reducing classroom disruption and disciplinary issues.
Student & Parent Concerns: Safety vs. Control
The report acknowledges that public opinion is mixed. Pew Research Center data shows 41% of students favor bans only during class, while just 17% support an all-day restriction. Parents raise safety concerns, fearing limited contact in emergencies like school shootings. However, the National Association of School Resource Officers argues phones can actually increase danger during such events by alerting shooters, distracting students, or hindering law enforcement.
The report card does not penalize states for carving out exceptions for students with IEPs or 504 plans. However, it warns against loopholes allowing “educational” phone use, which could undermine the policy’s effectiveness.
The Next Step: Eliminating All Screen Time?
The movement to restrict technology in schools is expanding beyond personal devices. The Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project is advocating for “Safe School Technology” legislation, which would eliminate screens entirely in elementary schools, restrict take-home access for middle schoolers, and prohibit generative AI tools across all grades.
The report card authors believe these broader measures are necessary, as students can still access distractions through district-issued laptops and other devices. Eliminating personal phones is seen as the first step toward a more focused learning environment.
Conclusion: The new report card exposes significant disparities in state-level efforts to curb smartphone use in schools. While many states have taken action, the effectiveness of those policies hinges on strict enforcement, comprehensive bans, and a willingness to address distractions beyond personal devices. The debate over safety, control, and educational disruption will likely intensify as this movement gains momentum.
