September 06, 2024

Classroom Disconnect: Banning Cell Phones in School

Parent Resources

Imagine a classroom where cell phones are completely banned. Does it lead to better learning or spark new problems? Recently, the Los Angeles Unified School District approved a full-day ban on cell phones, sparking debate among parents and teachers nationwide. To understand the impact of such policies, we surveyed parents and teachers about their views on cell phone usage in schools.

Explore our findings to learn whether cell phone bans are seen as beneficial or detrimental to students' mental health, academic performance, and classroom behavior. We'll also discuss levels of support for these bans and concerns about their implementation. By the end, you'll gain a clearer understanding of this evolving educational issue, backed by insights from those directly affected.

Key Takeaways

64% of parents support the ban on cell phones during the entire school day.
Nearly 3 in 4 teachers support the ban on cell phones in schools.
About 30% of elementary school students have cell phones.
On average, teachers have to discipline students for using their cell phones 5 times a week.
81% of teachers believe the cell phone ban will increase student's academic performance.
Over 80% of teachers think more states will ban the use of cell phones during the school day.

Support for Cell Phone Bans Among Parents

70% of parents have given their child a cell phone.
Percentage of students who have cell phones by grade level:

o Elementary (K-5): 28%

o Middle (6-8): 31%

o High (9-12): 41%

On average, parents give their children cell phones at age 13.
64% of parents support the ban on cell phones during the entire school day.
Percentage of parents who believe the cell phone ban in schools will improve students':

o Academic performance (77%)

o Behavior and discipline (67%)

o Mental health (66%)

90% of parents support teachers' right to discipline students for being on their phones. However, among those who support this, 20% do not support teachers' right to confiscate phones.
Primary concerns about banning cell phones in schools:

o Difficulty in communicating with students during emergencies (63%)

o Resistance from students (40%)

o Resistance from other parents (33%)

o Increased disciplinary issues (24%)

o Increased administrative burden (24%)

Over 50% of parents think installing screen time restrictions during the school day is a better approach than banning cell phones.
Nearly 80% of parents support the use of school-provided tablets or computers with restricted access during school hours instead of personal cell phones.
Nearly 80% of parents think more states will ban the use of cell phones during the school day.

Teachers' Perspectives on Cell Phone Bans

Nearly 3 in 4 teachers support the ban on cell phones in schools.
Nearly 80% of teachers believe students will be better off without cell phones in classrooms.
Over 30% of teachers report that elementary school students have cell phones.
On average, teachers have to discipline students for using their cell phones 5 times a week.
46% of teachers confiscate their students' phones.
Percentage of teachers who believe the cell phone ban in schools will improve the students':

o Academic performance (81%)

o Behavior and discipline (74%)

o Mental health (70%)

Primary concerns about banning cell phones in schools:

o Resistance from students (64%)

o Resistance from parents (52%)

o Parents communicating with students during emergencies (42%)

o Increased administrative burden (27%)

o Increased disciplinary issues (25%)

46% of teachers think installing screen time restrictions during the school day is a better approach than banning cell phones.
Over 80% of teachers think more states will ban the use of cell phones during the school day.

Methodology

For this study, we surveyed 800 American parents and 200 teachers to explore their perspectives on the cell phone ban in schools. The average age of parents was 40; 66% were women, and 34% were male. The average age of teachers was 41; 72% were women, 27% were male, and 1% were non-binary.

About Prodigy Education

Prodigy Education is a global leader in game-based learning. Our mission is to help every student in the world love learning, motivating millions worldwide via fun, secure and accessible curriculum-aligned gameplay experiences. At Prodigy Education, we believe maximizing student motivation helps develop a lifetime love of learning. Prodigy's approach to fun, game-based learning means kids no longer have to choose between homework and playtime. Visit www.prodigygame.com to learn more.

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