New School Cell Phone Rules in 17 U.S. States Aim to Improve Student Focus
Students in 17 U.S. states, plus the District of Columbia, are starting the school year with new cell phone restrictions. Kentucky is one of these states, where cell phones are banned during instruction. This move follows a trend where 35 states have laws or rules limiting electronic devices in schools. Florida was the first state to pass such a law in 2023. Both Democrats and Republicans support these restrictions, citing concerns about cell phones harming students' mental health and diverting attention from learning. In 18 states and D.C., phones are banned throughout the school day, while Georgia and Florida restrict them only from kindergarten through eighth grade. Students report mixed reactions, with some initially resisting phone checks but now being more cooperative. Parents worry about safety and want better communication, especially regarding school violence. Researchers note that while social media use correlates with poor mental health, it's unclear if restrictions directly cause improvements. Some states, like Wyoming and Michigan, are resisting statewide policies.