An increasing number of states are passing legislation to control smartphone use in schools. This trend signifies a growing awareness of the importance of youth mental health and academic success. Seventeen states and Washington, D.C., have done so to limit smartphone distractions in schools. To date, they’ve either passed statewide phone-free legislation or been bold enough to sign executive orders to address this issue. This positive trend has picked up tremendous steam in recent years. Many efforts and groups are working to encourage less screen time for students.
The Rise of Phone-Free Initiatives
In 2023, Pennsylvania launched the Phone-Free Schools Movement. This new policy of the initiative would allow schools to foster an environment more conducive to learning by restricting access to smartphones during school hours. This new Towards Zero Deaths initiative is representative of a broader trend occurring across the country. Educators and policymakers are beginning to focus on how to address the distractions that smartphones present.
In March 2024, Mothers Against Media Addiction was launched in New York City. This nonprofit is on the frontlines calling for more regulation of tech’s use on children and adolescents. Wait Until 8th in Texas and the Screen Time Action Network @ Fairplay in Massachusetts have been powerful forces for change since 2017. So, they suggest, kids should wait on smartphone ownership until at least eighth grade.
Experts like Jonathan Haidt have suggested several actions to address the challenges posed by smartphone usage among youth. Coincidentally, Haidt is a vocal supporter of phone-free schools. He wants to make this strategy central to solving the behavior and mental health crisis facing our youth.
Legislative Developments Across the Nation
Recent legislative trends show a national tipping point on the need to restrict smartphone access to promote effective teaching and learning. In 2025, states including Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and West Virginia passed laws designed to restrict smartphone usage in schools. These legislative efforts strike a deep chord among educators. According to a recent survey, 72% of high school teachers consider smartphones one of the biggest distractions in class.
Early evidence backs up these fears, showing that academic performance usually gets better once schools put phone bans in place. Schools that have already enacted similar policies report reduced distractions and greater student focus. This shows that restricting smartphone access helps foster a more focused learning environment.
The problem goes beyond just academic performance. It includes mental health factors. A survey conducted among Gen Z respondents aged 18–27 revealed that almost half of those surveyed wished social media had never been invented. Additionally, 21% felt the same about smartphones in general. These statistics highlight a trend where young people are increasingly aware of the harmful effects technology can have on their lives.
Global Perspectives and Future Implications
The U.S. is not the only place where this debate on smartphone use is taking place. Australia has really put itself out there by banning all social media to anyone under 16 years of age. These types of protections underscore an increasing global trend to prioritize the mental health of young people over unrestricted internet access.
Alongside these state-level actions, federal initiatives are starting to take shape. The Stop the Scroll Act, introduced in May 2025, would establish new mental health warnings on social media sites. This important proposed legislation addresses the increasing concerns around social media’s mental health effects on young people. In doing so, it seeks to educate stakeholders on the potential benefits as well as the risks.
Schools across the country are preparing for summer break and the return to school when these new policies will restrict smartphone use. Educators and parents alike hope these changes will increase academic performance and encourage improved mental wellbeing in students. The continued progress by states and advocacy organizations shows that there is dedication to creating healthier learning environments for future generations.