Study finds school cellphone bans fail to improve grades or attendance

Schools nationwide are cracking down on student mobile phone use, but new research points to mixed outcomes from the restrictions.

According to research shared by the National Bureau of Economic Research in April, mandatory phone storage during class has significantly reduced student phone use. The study also found signs of improved student well-being as schools maintained the restrictions over time.

However, the restrictions have done little to improve academic performance. The study found little change in test scores, attendance, or students’ ability to stay focused in class.

“For academic achievement, average effects on test scores are consistently close to zero,” the researchers wrote.

The study also found no clear reduction in online bullying linked to the restrictions.

Roughly two-thirds of states have introduced legislation limiting students’ access to phones, with nearly 5,000 schools now using lockable pouches, according to the study.

A growing focus on student mental health and academic performance has helped cellphone bans gain bipartisan momentum in US schools, The Washington Post reports. Teachers have also emerged as supporters of the restrictions.

The findings suggest schools may see the biggest benefit from phone restrictions in student well-being rather than academic performance.