Cellphone access among adolescents is ubiquitous. Youth ages 13-17 spend on average 4-5 hours a day in digital spaces, with grave consequences for their academic engagement, mental health and personal safety. Research suggests that increased smartphone and social media use are associated with increased depression and anxiety. More than 4 of 5 principals view cellphones as having negative effects on students’ academic performance and social development. Nearly half (46%) of youth report having experienced cyberbullying, and the sharing of videos through social media has been cited as a motivating factor for violence including fights at school.
In response to such concerns, many public school districts have implemented policies to regulate youth’s use of digital spaces within schools. Indeed, over 75% of K-12 schools in the US regulated cellphone use as of 2022. Prior research on these policies yields mixed results. However, it is encouraging that in some circumstances school cellphone restrictions have improved academic performance and mental health, and reduced bullying.
View the full article co-authored by Institute faculty member Justin Heinze