Multiple US, UK Schools Enact Smartphone Bans Addressing Teen Mental Health

In 2025, several major school systems and communities have taken significant steps to restrict smartphone use among students during school hours due to concerns over mental health, academic performance, and social development. The Los Angeles Unified School District implemented a comprehensive ban on phones and related devices during school hours, while similar policies have been proposed or enacted in New York and various other states. In Edinburgh, a survey led by MP Dr. Scott Arthur revealed overwhelming support among parents and teachers for smartphone restrictions in schools, highlighting a shared desire for consistent policies to reduce digital distractions. In Ireland, four schools in rural County Louth have gone further by encouraging parents to delay giving smartphones to children until after primary school, based on a voluntary agreement supported by nearly 90% of surveyed parents. Meanwhile, in South Florida, a parent-led initiative called The Club at the Lubavitch Educational Center promotes a phone-free lifestyle for middle school girls, with participants committing to a year without smartphones or social media and experiencing improved academic and social outcomes. Overall, these varied efforts reflect a growing global movement to address the challenges posed by smartphone use among youth and to promote healthier digital habits.