Banning cell phones at school supported by most adults, survey finds

Attention teens and tweens: A majority of adults want cell phones removed from the classroom, according to a new survey.

The Pew Research Center’s recent survey of 5,110 U.S. adults found that 68 percent supported banning middle and high school students from using cell phones in class. Twenty-four percent of respondents opposed the idea while 8 percent were unsure.

When asked to indicate why they favored a ban, participants said they believed students would develop better social skills and thus be less likely to cheat. They also believe such a ban could reduce school bullying.

But they decided on a more restrictive approach. Only about a third of respondents favor blocking phone access all day, not just in class, while more than half oppose it.

The survey results could shed light on the ongoing struggle over the role of technology and internet-connected devices in the classroom.

Teachers and their unions have long argued that phones and constant access to social media platforms distract students, encourage bullying and burn out teachers. School districts have even sued tech companies, including Meta and TikTok, arguing that they don’t adequately warn young users about the risks of using their platforms.

Adults surveyed by Pew who oppose any form of ban overwhelmingly cite concern about parents being able to reach their child when needed. They also think the rule would be too difficult for teachers to enforce and that cell phones can be a useful teaching tool.

But some school districts and state governments have already moved toward a ban. California recently passed a law requiring school districts to develop a policy to restrict phone use in school by 2026. Florida banned phone use in the classroom this school year. Louisiana is moving to ban students from using and possessing cell phones all day, starting in the 2024-2025 school year.

The Pew survey found more resistance to the idea of ​​a ban on young adults. Less than half of respondents under 30 favor restrictions on cell phones in the classroom, while more than three-quarters of adults aged 30 to 49 favor them. This percentage rises to 80 percent among participants aged 50 and over.