As students return to school, many schools are enforcing stricter policies on cell phone use, with some banning phones altogether. Despite parents' concerns about reaching their kids during emergencies, studies show that keeping phones away from school is beneficial. A 2023 Common Sense Media study found that 97% of 11- to 17-year-olds use their phones during school hours, averaging 43 minutes daily. This distraction affects social interaction and learning, as children spend less time engaging with peers.
Teachers have reported that phone distractions are a major issue in classrooms. Students sneaking peeks at their screens can’t focus on their studies, contributing to declining academic performance, as seen in record-low ACT scores. Experts like Jonathan Haidt argue that smartphones disrupt the ability to be present, both with others and alone. Moreover, phones do not necessarily make kids safer; they can be hazardous, with many teens experiencing potentially harmful online encounters.
A lot of teens' screen use occurs during school hours, a new report has found. Goodboy Picture Company/E+/Getty Images
While phones are convenient for coordinating pickups and emergencies, alternative solutions like flip phones can provide necessary communication without the distractions of social media. By leaving smartphones at home, kids can better focus on learning, interacting with their peers, and being fully present in their environment.
