UC and CSU researchers caution against blanket cellphone bans in schools

"Research has shown that excessive cellphone use among youth can lead to disrupted learning, negative well-being and challenges like bullying, distractions and device addiction, and young adults' underdeveloped impulse control and brain and behavioral changes can make youth particularly susceptible to the negative consequences of cellphone use. And a shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated students' excessive phone use and created additional challenges for young adults' abilities to interact in person, develop social skills and focus in the classroom."

"But the research brief from the UC and CSU collaborative cautions school leaders that limiting students' cellphone use through bans or restrictions without providing guidance for educators on how to enforce those rules or failing to consider the benefits of technology for students' learning and development can cause more harm than good, especially to marginalized communities."

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act requiring schools to limit students' cellphone use by July 2026. Bay Area schools remain split, citing concerns about school safety and inconsistencies where districts provide computers and Wi-Fi. Excessive cellphone use among youth is linked to disrupted learning, poorer well-being, bullying, distractions, and device addiction, with adolescents especially vulnerable due to underdeveloped impulse control and brain changes. The shift to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic intensified excessive phone use and hindered in-person social skill development and classroom focus. Limiting cellphone use via bans or restrictions without enforcement guidance or attention to educational benefits risks deepening harm, particularly for marginalized students. Guidance and equitable technology access are needed to balance safety, learning, and student well-being.

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