LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In a striking example of bipartisan agreement, the governors of Arkansas and California, Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Gavin Newsom respectively, have emerged as vocal proponents of banning cellphones in schools. Despite their differing party affiliations, both recognize the urgency of addressing what has become a contentious issue: the need to restrict student cellphone usage during school hours.
Over the past two years, at least eight states have implemented such bans, and more are deliberating similar measures this year. The increasing push for cellphone restrictions in educational settings stems from growing concerns regarding the toll that excessive screen time takes on children’s mental well-being, as well as ongoing complaints from educators who cite cellphones as a major distraction in the classroom.
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has been vocal about the need for schools to designate phone-free periods, emphasizing that it is crucial for safeguarding young people’s mental health. National data indicates that 77% of U.S. schools prohibit cellphones for non-academic use. However, this statistic can be misleading, as it does not guarantee compliance or effective enforcement of these rules across all institutions.
Kim Whitman, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement, noted that the issue resonates deeply with both parents and educators, regardless of their political affiliations. She stated, “Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet rural area, young people are struggling and genuinely require a seven-hour break from the incessant demands of mobile devices and social media during school.”
In terms of state actions, California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia have all enacted laws limiting or banning student cellphone use in educational facilities. For instance, Florida took the lead as the first state to enforce stringent cellphone regulations, implementing a 2023 law that prohibits cellphone usage during class periods and restricts social media access on school networks. Meanwhile, California’s new law mandates that the state’s nearly 1,000 school districts create their own cellphone policies by mid-2026.
Even in states that haven’t outright banned phones, many are promoting local decisions to restrict usage or provide resources for phone storage during school hours. Governor Sanders has initiated a pilot program supporting grants for schools wishing to implement phone-free environments. More than 100 districts are already participating, and Sanders is advocating for a comprehensive statewide ban, allowing districts to develop tailored policies.
She expressed to reporters, “Teachers recognize that cellphones are a significant distraction, but they’re also impacting the mental health of too many of our students.” Other governors, including New Hampshire’s Kelly Ayotte, Iowa’s Kim Reynolds, and Nebraska’s Jim Pillen, are making similar calls for cellphone bans, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul is considering state-wide regulations but has yet to provide specifics.
However, the cellphone bans have not gone unchallenged. Some parents are concerned about their ability to reach their children in emergencies, particularly in light of recent school shootings where access to cellphones provided a vital link for communication. Conversely, supporters argue that cellphones might further complicate emergency situations, distracting students or inadvertently revealing their locations.
Moreover, critics of the bans maintain that access to phones is essential for practical needs, such as coordinating rides after school. Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union, acknowledges the risks of social media but believes state actions are too sweeping. She argues that simply banning phones during school hours will not address deeper social issues like bullying and the inherent dangers of social media. Rodrigues emphasized the importance of teaching children critical skills to navigate these modern challenges effectively, rather than just removing the devices from their reach.
