New Hampshire school phone ban praised by teachers as social skills improve

A statewide “bell‑to‑bell” cellphone ban in New Hampshire, which prohibits student phone use throughout the school day, is reported by teachers and administrators to have reduced classroom distractions and improved student focus. Nearly 80% of the roughly 1,400 educators surveyed said the ban was effective, and about one‑third noted fewer disciplinary problems. About half observed that students have developed better social skills and deeper peer relationships since the policy’s implementation.

At the same time, a Pew Research Center poll shows that 77% of U.S. adults now support banning phones in classrooms, up sharply from 36% two years earlier. Support among educators remains high, with 90% of teachers and a majority of principals favoring such bans. The poll reflects growing public backing for stricter device rules in schools.