Josh Shapiro’s push for an all-day phone ban in schools tests what actually helps anxious teens

Pennsylvania is moving toward a statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban in public schools.

The state Senate and House of Representatives have advanced companion bills that would require students in grades K-12 to keep cellphones turned off or stored away in lockers, backpacks or designated classroom storage pouches for the entire school day.

Gov. Josh Shapiro wants them to agree on a final version and send it to his desk for signing.

The goal is to reduce digital interruptions, improve students’ engagement with classroom lessons, increase face-to-face interactions and reduce conflicts that play out on social media during school hours.

As a forensic nurse, I study internet safety, cyber aggression and technology-related risks among children. Following these new rules will likely be challenging for all students. For some, the effort will pay off with improved health, safety and development. But those who are dependent on their cellphone may have trouble adapting.

What is problematic smartphone use?

In the U.S., most 13- to 18-year-olds spend nearly 8.5 hours a day using screens. Yet research consistently links heavy smartphone and social media use among children and adolescents to poor sleep, anxiety and depression, bullying, attention difficulties and academic challenges.

Healthcare providers report an increasing number of children, adolescents and young adults experience problematic smartphone use, or PSU. PSU is a pattern of behavior associated with depression, stress and decreased academic performance. Among this group, it is characterized by a difficulty controlling phone use, heavy social media dependence, having a preoccupation with notifications and voicing distress when separated from their device.

Meanwhile, results from a survey by Pew Research Center in 2023 highlight the mixed emotions U.S. teens report regarding their smartphones. In one........

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