Cellphones

Learn more about cellphones in K-12 schools—whether they are being banned, used as instructional tools, or something in between

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Which States Ban or Restrict Cellphones in Schools?
See which states are requiring cellphone restrictions or bans in schools.
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Image of a student walking in hall.
Clerkenwell/Vetta
School & District Management Hall Passes Go Digital to Complement Cellphone Restrictions
Digital hall passes have limited the time students spend outside of class. Administrators say they've worked well with cellphone limits.
Caitlynn Peetz, January 3, 2025
7 min read
A ninth grader places her cellphone in to a phone holder as she enters class at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. At the rural Utah school, there is a strict policy requiring students to check their phones at the door when entering every class. Each classroom has a cellphone storage unit that looks like an over-the-door shoe bag with three dozen smartphone-sized slots.
A ninth grader places her cellphone in to a phone holder as she enters class at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. At the rural Utah school, there is a strict policy requiring students to check their phones at the door when entering every class. Each classroom has a cellphone storage unit that looks like an over-the-door shoe bag with three dozen smartphone-sized slots.
Rick Bowmer/AP
Ed-Tech Policy Video What Makes an Effective School Cellphone Policy? An Overview
EdWeek reporter Lauraine Langreo looks at how school cellphone policies are being addressed at the school, district, and state level.
2:22
Image of students using laptops in the classroom.
E+
Classroom Technology What's In, What's Out for AI, Cellphones, Cybersecurity, and Other Ed-Tech Stuff
Education technology changes quickly, and so do the trends that define how educators and students use it. What's ahead for 2025?
1 min read
Image of a cellphone ban, disruption, and symbol of AI.
Laura Baker/Education Week via Canva
Education The Education Word of 2024 Is ...
Educators, policymakers, and parents all zeroed in on students' tech use in 2024, which prompted this year's winner.
Evie Blad, December 19, 2024
5 min read
A duotone photograph of a group of elementary students sitting together and looking at their cellphones
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Classroom Technology Cellphones in the Classroom: The Year’s Top 5 Stories
The devices distract students from learning, disrupt sleep, and can harm mental health.
Arianna Prothero, December 19, 2024
1 min read
Photograph of a white teen using a cellphone in the classroom.
iStock/Getty
Ed-Tech Policy Ed. Dept. Recommends These 3 Principles to Develop School Cellphone Policies
Cellphone policies should be developed in consultation with students, teachers, and parents, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said.
Alyson Klein, December 3, 2024
4 min read
Illustration of a young woman turning off her mobile phone which is even bigger than she is.
iStock/Getty
Ed-Tech Policy Should Schools Have Cellphone Restrictions for Teachers Too?
Schools expect teachers to model responsible cellphone use.
Lauraine Langreo, November 21, 2024
4 min read
Trendy halftone collage. Hand holding and using cell phone.
Natalya Kosarevich/iStock
Classroom Technology Opinion Why School Cellphone Bans Are a Bad Idea
We cannot ignore the powerful relationship between students and their phones—and what they mean for equity in our most challenged schools.
Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, November 14, 2024
4 min read
Young student using on smartphone in classroom
Leonardo Patrizi/iStock/Getty
Classroom Technology From Our Research Center How Strict Are School Cellphone Policies?
New survey data show that schools are trying a variety of approaches to curb students’ cellphone use.
Arianna Prothero, November 13, 2024
2 min read
A ninth grader places her cellphone in to a phone holder as she enters class at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. At the rural Utah school, there is a strict policy requiring students to check their phones at the door when entering every class. Each classroom has a cellphone storage unit that looks like an over-the-door shoe bag with three dozen smartphone-sized slots.
A 9th grader places her cellphone into a holder as she enters class at Delta High School in Delta, Utah, in February. The rural school has a strict policy requiring students to check their phones at the door when entering every class.
Rick Bowmer/AP
Classroom Technology From Our Research Center How Students Are Dodging Cellphone Restrictions
Schools’ efforts to restrict cellphone use have set up a battle of wits between teachers and students.
Arianna Prothero, November 11, 2024
1 min read
Close up of student's hands on their desk in the classroom and holding a smartphone
iStock/Getty Images Plus
Classroom Technology From Our Research Center 'Mom Is Texting': Teachers Say Parents Are a Daily Distraction During Class
Many parents feel the need to be in constant contact with their children.
Arianna Prothero, October 25, 2024
4 min read
Concept art, idea of brain and psychology, surreal painting, conceptual illustration. Distracted mind, emotional regulation.
Jorm Sangsorn/iStock
Teaching Opinion The Hidden Benefits of Distraction in the Classroom
Distraction can support healthy emotional regulation—but only when properly understood. Here’s what teachers need to know.
Eliya Ahmad & Zi Jia Ng, October 23, 2024
4 min read
A student uses their cell phone after unlocking the pouch that secures it from use during the school day at Bayside Academy on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in San Mateo, Calif. Gavin Newsom sent letters Tuesday, Aug. 13, to school districts, urging them to restrict students’ use of smartphones on campus.
A student uses a cellphone after unlocking the pouch that secures it from use during the school day at Bayside Academy in San Mateo, Calif., on Aug. 16, 2024.
Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle via AP
Ed-Tech Policy Here's When Most Americans Think Cellphones Should Be Banned
Banning cellphones during class is very popular with American adults.
Arianna Prothero, October 16, 2024
5 min read