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Teachers

Cell Phone Use in Schools: A Complex Issue

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The majority of 11- to 17-year-olds with smartphones use them regularly in school, with a median of 43 minutes per school day, according to a survey by the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE). While some states have implemented bans or restrictions on cell phone use in schools, others are considering similar measures. Teachers and school leaders cite cell phone distractions as a major issue, with 72% of high school teachers identifying it as a significant problem, according to a Pew Research Center poll.

Key Takeaways:

  • 72% of US high school teachers say cell phone distraction is a major problem in the classroom, according to a Pew Research Center poll.
  • 96% of youth ages 13-17 use social media, with 46% saying they use it "almost constantly," according to Pew Research Center.
  • A pilot study of digital use and well-being among 11- to 13-year-olds in Florida found that specific digital behaviors, rather than smartphone ownership alone, were associated with adverse mental health outcomes.
  • 31 states and the District of Columbia have adopted statewide bans or restrictions regarding cell phone use in schools as of April 2025.
  • Cell phone restrictions can restore focus, safety, and well-being in classrooms when paired with media literacy education and shaped by student, teacher, and parent input.
  • Some states have implemented flexible policies that allow for varying levels of phone use based on grade level or subject area.
  • Policymakers need to consider students with medical conditions who may need access to their cell phones and medical technology.
  • Cell phone bans may widen disparities if not implemented thoughtfully.

Statistics:

  • 96% of youth ages 13-17 use social media, with 46% saying they use it "almost constantly" (Pew Research Center).
  • 72% of US high school teachers say cell phone distraction is a major problem in the classroom (Pew Research Center).
  • 43 minutes per school day is the median amount of time spent on smartphones by 11- to 17-year-olds (NASBE).
  • 34% of students ages 12-17 have experienced cyberbullying, with many incidents occurring during school hours (Cyberbullying Research Center).
  • 31 states and the District of Columbia have adopted statewide bans or restrictions regarding cell phone use in schools as of April 2025.

Sources:

  • [1] Jenny S. Radesky et al., "Constant Companion: A Week in the Life of a Young Person's Smartphone Use," report (Common Sense, 2023)
  • [2] Jenn Hatfield, "72% of U.S. High School Teachers Say Cellphone Distraction Is a Major Problem in the Classroom," Short Reads (Pew Research Center, June 12, 2024)
  • [3] National Center for Education Statistics, "More than Half of Public School Leaders Say Cell Phones Hurt Academic Performance," press release, February 19, 2025
  • [4] Michelle Faverio and Olivia Sidoti, "Teens, Social Media, and Technology 2024," report (Pew Research Center, December 12, 2024)
  • [5] US Public Health Service, "Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The US Surgeon General's Advisory" (2023)
  • ... (list all referenced sources)

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