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What to know about school phone bans

4 1
21.08.2025
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Technology


Technology

 

The Big Story

What to know about school cellphone bans

More and more U.S. students will be entering cellphone-free zones this year as states and school districts have implemented restrictions either in the classroom or the moment a child enters the building.

© Keith Srakocic, Associated Press

Increased punishments, Yondr pouches and teacher collection baskets are just some of the ways school leaders have tried to reduce phone access, arguing they are a distraction and stymie social and academic growth.

While the number of schools taking action has quickly risen across the country, opponents voice objections including personal freedom for students and safety concerns in an emergency.

Here’s what to know:

Where are cellphone bans happening?

At least 22 states have signed legislation regarding cellphone policies in K-12 schools, while some districts or schools have also acted on their own. But not all the restrictions look the same.

States such as New York and Arkansas have implemented bell-to-bell cellphone bans, meaning students lack access to their phones the whole school day.

Others including Kentucky and Tennessee have implemented instructional time bans, allowing students their phones between classes or at lunch.

California and Arizona have laws requiring schools to create guidance around cellphone usage, and almost a dozen other states are considering legislation around cellphones in schools.

How are the policies implemented?

Implementation of cellphone restrictions vary by district.

The strictest districts have taken to using some version of a Yondr bag, a container that students must put their phones in at the beginning of the day that locks it inside.

At the end of the day,........

© The Hill