Eli’s school just devised a new cell phone policy. He hates it. Every morning at school his phone is now locked into a special pouch that is not unlocked until the end of the day. Eli worries about not being able to contact his parents in case of an emergency. He doesn’t think it will actually make a significant difference in how students perform in class, and he wishes he could listen to music or text friends during downtime.

But Eli’s English teacher, Mr. Ahnfeldt loves the new cell phone policy. Mr. Ahnfeldt says that students used to reach for their cellphones anytime he gave them a short break. But now students talk to each other, and his classroom feels more like a community. Mr. Ahnfeldt has had some complaints from parents, who are used to communicating with their kids throughout the day, but he thinks it is worth it. 

Approximately 7 in 10 American adults support phone bans in schools. Many of these adults are worried about the effect smartphones are having on young people. Teachers and administrators say students are more likely than ever to be distracted by devices in class. In fact, research has found that the mere presence of a smartphone on the table or in the room inhibits focus.

 Many parents and educators also worry that constant access to digital devices is contributing to a mental health crisis. They point to rising rates of depression and anxiety among children and teenagers. 

However, other people say that banning phones in classrooms is not the solution. At least 95 percent of teens in the United States now have access to a smartphone. Some people think that schools should embrace this changing technology and teach students how to use it responsibly. These people point out that teens will still have access to phones outside of school. Some supporters of phones in classrooms also say that smartphones can contribute to learning through educational apps and access to information. 

Schools, districts, and even entire states are now restricting students’ cell phone use during school hours. Cell phone bans can take different forms. Some schools have students leave their phones in their lockers during actual class time. Others, like Eli’s school, use special pouches that keep phones locked away all day. What do you think? Is a cell phone ban right for your school? Or should students retain access to their phones during the day?