Half of all U.S. states now regulate cellphone use in schools

‎In just two years since Florida became the first state to regulate cellphone use in schools in 2023, a wave of bipartisan momentum has swept across the country. Today, 25 states have enacted laws aimed at limiting student cellphone access during the school day — a shift driven by mounting evidence that phones disrupt learning and negatively impact student well-being.

‎

‎Half of U.S. states now regulate cellphones in schools: A growing movement to curb distractions and protect mental health.

‎Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

‎

‎The rapid expansion of these laws in states as politically and geographically diverse as New York, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Alaska highlights a rare consensus: cellphones are harming children’s education, mental health, and social development.

‎

‎"This is not just an academic bill. This is a mental health bill. It’s a public safety bill," said Georgia Republican Rep. Scott Hilton, echoing a sentiment expressed by Connecticut Democrat Jennifer Leeper, who recently called phones “a cancer on our kids.”

‎

‎According to a 2023 Pew Research survey, 72% of high school teachers view cellphones as a major classroom issue. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy also warned about the damaging effects of social media and screen time on youth mental health. These concerns have led to legislative action in 16 states this year alone, with others such as Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, and New Hampshire considering similar bills.

‎

‎The push for more stringent policies — such as all-day bans in elementary and middle schools — reflects growing recognition that instructional-time restrictions alone may not be enough. Nine states and Washington, D.C., now enforce "bell-to-bell" bans across the school day, citing benefits that go beyond academics, including improved peer engagement and reduced behavioral incidents.

‎

‎"Teachers wanted it. Parents wanted it. Principals wanted it," said North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong after signing his state’s all-day ban into law.

‎

‎Still, implementation varies. Some states mandate local districts set policies, while others enforce statewide rules. Exceptions typically exist for medical needs, language translation, and emergencies. Yet, the laws are not without critics. Concerns from parents over emergency communication and student pushback — like Louisiana sophomore Kaytlin Villescas' petition advocating for responsible use education — show this remains a complex debate.

‎

‎Meanwhile, funding gaps persist. Only a few states, such as New York, have allocated resources to help schools manage phone storage logistics. Most have left schools to find their own solutions.

‎

‎As cellphone bans gain momentum, the national conversation continues to evolve. Policymakers, educators, and parents are increasingly aligned: restricting cellphone access in schools is not only about improving academic performance, but about safeguarding the mental health and community connection of the next generation.