Have you ever tried getting a teenager’s attention while they’re glued to their phone? If so, you know how distracting and addicting those little screens can be. Now imagine trying to teach a classroom full of them. 

That’s the struggle many teachers and school administrators face every day, and it’s fueling a growing movement across the United States to restrict cell phones in schools. In fact, the push is gaining so much momentum that even Congress is starting to take notice.

A recent study by the Associated Press found that nine states have already passed laws restricting student cell phone use in schools, and another 39 are actively considering it. And now, a bipartisan pair of senators – Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) – have introduced a bill to support schools exploring new cell phone policies. This bill wouldn’t immediately ban cell phones, but rather provide federal funding to incentivize classroom cell phone restrictions.

The legislation would provide up to $5 million to school districts across the nation to develop pilot programs to lay the groundwork for long-term bans on cell phone usage during school.

“I think all the districts are grappling with two big challenges: maximizing student learning, maximizing student mental health. And we think excessive cell phone usage gets in the way of both.”

Tim Kaine

This is a question without one simple answer, and it largely depends on who you ask. Here are a few of the most common concerns:

If we’re being honest, phones are distracting for all of us. Now, imagine being a teenager trying to focus on geometry while your phone is buzzing with texts and social media alerts. Educators are concerned with phones pulling students’ attention away from lessons and keeping them from finishing their assignments.

Research has linked excessive screen time with increased anxiety, depression, and poor sleep – especially in kids and teenagers. On top of that, the pressure of living up to the unrealistic standards set by social media can be overwhelming.

By setting boundaries during the school day, schools are trying to give students a break from the noise and help them be more present with their friends, peers, and teachers.

With constant access to one another through texts and social media, bullying doesn’t end when kids leave the school building anymore. And with phones in their pockets during the school day, students can send and receive hurtful messages at any time. By limiting access to devices, schools are better able to protect students from the emotional harm caused by cyberbullying and maintain a safer environment within the school walls.

Some parents and educators are also raising concerns about electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation exposure. While this might not be the main reason schools are implementing phone bans, it’s worth noting that cell phones constantly emit EMFs, even when they aren’t in use. Experts are starting to encourage caution about EMF exposure – especially for kids and teens whose bodies and brains are still developing.

Apogee Schools across the nation have become the first Aires Certified™ schools, taking steps to make their campuses EMF-friendly by utilizing Aires EMF modulation technology to reshape EMFs into a form more compatible with our biology.

Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Virginia has both middle and high school students follow structured phone policies. High schoolers place their phones in a classroom caddy during lessons, and middle schoolers keep their devices in locked pouches for the entire day.

According to school administrators and teachers, these policies have led to remarkable results. Students are more engaged, teachers have noticed students return to socializing with one another more, and the community has been really supportive of these new rules.

Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK), visited a high school in Louisa County, Virginia, who has also implemented cell phone restrictions during school. In an interview with Fox and Friends, RFK shared his experience talking to students about these policies. He noted, “It helped them increase their socialization, it helped them do better at homework, and the parents were very happy because the discipline of not having a cell phone at school also meant that it was easier to teach your kids not to use it while they’re driving their car and to do their homework at home without them referencing their cell phones all the time.”

Across the nation, states are moving towards regulating cell phone use in school. It goes beyond just banning cell phones – these policies are about protecting time for focused learning and helping students develop healthier habits with their technology.

There’s always another side to the story. While many parents are on board with schools keeping cell phones out of the classroom, others worry that their child won’t be able to reach them in case of an emergency. Some parents argue that phones can be useful for learning. After all, they’re basically pocket-sized computers.

Both sides have some valid points, which is why many schools and lawmakers are aiming for balance instead of total bans. 

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about the kids and schools in your community, this is an important issue to watch. Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Talk to your kids about how their phone use affects their learning, mood, and social life.

• Stay informed about policies in your local school district, and show up to board meetings to voice your thoughts.

• Keep up with the news on legislation like the Cotton-Kaine bill which could shape how schools handle phone usage for years to come.

Cell phones aren’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean they need to be a part of every moment of the school day. As more states – and now even Congress – explore ways to help school districts set healthy boundaries, it’s a good time to have these conversations in our own homes. Modeling a balanced relationship with technology ourselves can help the next generation learn how to use their devices wisely and be present, focused, and connected in real life, not just online.

Whether at school or home, finding that balance is key.