New Initiative Aims to Shape Effective Cell Phone Policies in Schools
New Initiative Aims to Shape Effective Cell Phone Policies in Schools
In a bid to gather critical insights regarding cell phone policies in educational institutions, a nonpartisan group of academic researchers has launched a national survey aimed at public school teachers and staff. The initiative, named "Phones In Focus," seeks to collect data that will ultimately inform evidence-based recommendations to help schools effectively manage student cell phone usage ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.
Led by Angela Duckworth, a prominent professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and a best-selling author, the initiative also includes contributions from economists at Stanford University, Matt Gentzkow and Hunt Allcott. The primary goal is to utilize the survey findings to construct a roadmap for school policies that address the ongoing challenges related to cell phone use in the classroom.
Duckworth points out a recent poll indicating that a significant number of school leaders feel that cell phones negatively impact academic performance, student attention, and mental health. Despite this shared concern, many schools have implemented policies without solid evidence backing their effectiveness. "Phones in Focus" aims to rectify this by collecting valuable insights drawn from those who are closest to the students—the educators themselves.
The initiative arrives at a time when cell phone usage in schools has garnered increasing attention from education leaders and policymakers. In the 2025 state addresses, at least 17 governors acknowledged the influence of cell phones, prompting state legislatures to impose restrictions.
Interestingly, existing research on cell phone policies in educational settings is notably scarce. Much of the available literature relies on small sample sizes and limited cross-sectional data, resulting in diverging policies across the nation, from total bans to flexible management strategies. The survey—which can be accessed at phonesinfocus.org—will explore various policy approaches, including but not limited to:
- - Total bans with phones stored at the main office and prohibited during class sessions.
- - Partial bans permitting usage during lunchtime and between classes.
- - Classroom-level management where educators set their own rules regarding cell phone use.
- - Strict "Away for the Day" mandates requiring students to keep phones stored throughout the school day.
- - Usage of technology pouches that lock phones during school hours.
By participating in the survey, public school educators—including teachers, principals, and other personnel—will be eligible to enter a drawing for cash prizes and donations to their educational institutions. More importantly, the collected data will be matched with longitudinal records on student outcomes, attendance, and school climate to better understand which policies are associated with positive results.
Preliminary analyses stemming from "Phones In Focus" are expected to be published in July, providing timely insights as schools prepare for the upcoming academic year. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, has voiced similar concerns, emphasizing the need for phone-free classrooms to foster better human connections. In an interview with Education Week, NEA President Becky Pringle addressed the critical nature of student mental health issues, which are often exacerbated by social media and device dependency during school hours.
Duckworth emphasizes that the conversation around school cell phone policies should not merely be an administrative issue but a significant discourse about fostering learning environments conducive to both academic and social thriving. "It's time to let data, not just debate, guide this critical conversation. We encourage all public school educators to take just five minutes to complete our survey at phonesinfocus.org," she urged.
In conclusion, "Phones In Focus" not only aims to collect data but also aspires to construct a framework of evidence-based recommendations that can optimize academic learning, foster healthy social interactions, and uphold students' emotional well-being. By participating in this initiative, educators can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cell phone policies in schools across the nation.
For more information and to partake in the survey, educators can visit phonesinfocus.org.
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