Phone-Free Schools Boost Well-Being, Not Grades

Cellphone bans in schools cut usage sharply—but don’t boost grades.

A new nationwide study found that strict policies reduced phone use by up to 80%, yet test scores, attendance, and focus stayed the same. Students even struggled at first, with more discipline issues and lower well-being.

Over time, though, things improved. By year three, students reported feeling better, likely from more real-life interaction.

Bottom line: phone bans help socially—but not academically.

Study finds school phone bans cut usage but don’t boost test scores

Study finds school phone bans cut usage but don’t boost test scores