‘Close to zero impact’: US study casts doubt on effect of phone ban in schools
A US study examining mobile phone bans in nearly 1,800 schools found the restrictions had little to no impact on academic performance, attendance, or online bullying. While phone usage declined over time, especially by the third year of implementation, these behavioral changes did not translate into measurable improvements in student outcomes. Researchers caution against abandoning phone bans, noting potential long-term benefits and positive shifts in school climate.
- ▪Researchers from Stanford and Duke universities found that strict phone bans in US schools had close to zero impact on test scores.
- ▪The study showed a significant reduction in phone use over time, particularly by the third year of the ban, based on GPS data.
- ▪Despite reduced phone usage, there were no significant improvements in attendance, classroom attention, or perceived online bullying.
- ▪The study noted a temporary decline in student wellbeing and an increase in suspensions during the first year of the ban, with improvements in later years.
- ▪Older students showed modest gains in math scores, while younger students experienced slight negative effects.
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Last month, the UK’s Department for Education announced that it would legislate to make restrictions on phones a statutory requirement for England’s state schools. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenLast month, the UK’s Department for Education announced that it would legislate to make restrictions on phones a statutory requirement for England’s state schools. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty ImagesEducation policy‘Close to zero impact’: US study casts doubt on effect of phone ban in schoolsResearchers say findings are not reason to shy away from restrictions as MPs consider ban in England’s schoolsRichard Adams Education editorTue 5 May 2026 12.49 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 13.28 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleStrict bans on mobile phones in schools have…
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