Multiple US States Implement Schoolwide Student Cellphone Bans

Several states and school districts across the U.S. are implementing or considering broad restrictions on student cellphone use during school hours to address distractions and mental health concerns. Connecticut has proposed legislation banning cellphones from schools and restricting young children's access to social media and devices during late-night hours, citing research linking screen time to increased anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among teenagers. New Hampshire's House passed a near-unanimous ban on cellphone use throughout the school day with limited exceptions, despite concerns about limiting access to digital tools for creative and instructional purposes. In North Carolina, the Governor's Advisory Council recommended a statewide ban on cellphones during the school day to improve focus and mental well-being, with support from educators emphasizing the benefits of distraction-free learning environments. Rochester Public Schools in Minnesota reported largely positive feedback from a recently implemented phone ban, with calls for more consistent enforcement and assurances for emergency communication between parents and students. Across these examples, the primary rationale for the bans is to enhance student engagement, reduce distractions, and improve mental health outcomes, although debates continue over flexibility and technology access for educational use.