EPHS Limiting Student Cell Phone Use

Students check phones in when entering class. Teachers report evidence of improved student performance.

The year one implementation of limiting high school student cell phone availability has received positive reviews from educators and many students. School administrators and teachers wanted to improve student concentration by limiting the amount of access to cell phones. To accomplish this, students are required to put their cell phone in a storage area with individual “pockets” when entering class. Within reason, students may be allowed to use a cell phone if an assignment calls for it. Principal William Black has been monitoring the fairly new policy. “It has been going well, and we've noticed a significant improvement in student engagement, focus, and overall classroom culture,” said Black. “Teachers have shared positive feedback, noting that students are more attentive during lessons, participate more in discussions, and are less tempted by the constant distractions of their phones. Many teachers have expressed that it feels like they have regained control over their classrooms in a positive way and are not competing with the distraction of the cell phone,” added Black.

There is some evidence that limiting cellphones in schools may have some positive effects on the academic achievement of students, particularly students who are already struggling with academic grades or who come from low socioeconomic backgrounds (Abrahamsson, 2024; Beland & Murphy, 2016). According to the Pew Research Center (Lin, Parker, & Horowitz, 2024), high school teachers are especially likely to see cellphones as problematic. About seven-in-ten (72%) say that students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in their classroom, compared with 33% of middle school teachers and 6% of elementary school teachers. Pew is a nonpartisan fact tank based in Washington, D.C. that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. “We conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. We do not take policy positions,” said a Pew statement.

“From a student perspective, the adjustment period was brief, and many now appreciate the structure it provides. Some students have mentioned that it actually helps them focus and break the habit of constantly checking their phones. Additionally, we've seen fewer issues related to social media conflicts spilling over into the school day, which has contributed to a more positive learning environment,” said EPHS Principal Black.

“Administratively, the cell phone procedure has been easy to enforce because it’s clear, consistent, and implemented across all classrooms. Teachers appreciate that they have a straightforward process, and students know what’s expected of them. We’ve also noticed that by allowing students to retrieve their phones in the last few minutes of class (at the teacher’s discretion), they feel a bit of autonomy while still maintaining the structure of the policy,” added Black.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sandra Forand is supportive of the high school policy. “I commend the high school staff for collectively seeking a solution to the distraction cell phones were creating in classrooms. This new protocol has significantly improved students' ability to focus on instruction,” said Forand. The Superintendent noted that the policy does not include K through 8th grades at this time. “With distractions minimized, students are more engaged in lessons, participate actively in discussions, and experience a more productive learning environment. This shift has fostered a greater sense of concentration and academic success throughout the school. The feedback we have received from staff and students has been positive,” said Forand.

Advocates for cell phone bans, reference a belief that students need opportunities to engage with one another face-to-face between classes and in downtimes (such as at lunch or recess). Some research has indicated that social interactions can be negatively affected by the presence of cell phones (Dwyer et.al., 2018).

Researchers have also explored how removing devices from schools can affect non-academic parts of the school day, such as recess. A study conducted in Denmark found that a smartphone ban significantly increased the level of physical activity of students during indoor and outdoor recess (Pawlowski et al., 2021).

Some cite the importance that cell phones may play in school safety, especially considering the threat of school shootings, violence and bullying, etc. However most research would indicate that the positives outweigh any negatives to banning cell phones from classrooms. The policy at EPHS is not actually an outright ban, rather it limits use with teacher discretion.

“I do think our protocol has had a very positive impact on the high school,” said Principal Black. “I would agree,” added Forand.