Overview

• Alabama’s new law requires students to leave phones and other wireless devices in lockers or vehicles during school hours, and one Tuscaloosa County teacher reported immediate gains in note-taking, assignments and peer interaction.
• More than 20 states have enacted laws on student phone use and others have issued guidance or district-level rules, with approaches ranging from bell-to-bell bans to restrictions limited to instructional time.
• Districts are using a mix of tactics to enforce policies, including Yondr locking pouches, teacher collection systems and tougher penalties for violations.
• Federal education officials say school leaders report phones are hurting academic performance, attention and student mental health, reinforcing concerns driving the restrictions.
• Opponents cite emergency communication and personal freedom concerns, and researchers and policymakers stress the need for multi-year evaluations to assess academic, social and safety outcomes.