US school smartphone bans ineffective for student mental health

A study led by economist Henry Saffer examined the impact of school smartphone bans in the United States. Using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health covering 2016‑2024 and about 18,500 minors per year, the analysis compared states that imposed bans with a control group.

The research found no significant reduction in overall screen time—students actually spent roughly 30 minutes more in front of screens—and no measurable improvement in mental‑health indicators. Positive psychological measures fell from about 95% to 82%, while reports of bullying and social exclusion rose from 5% to 11%.

More than 30 states have adopted such bans, but only three have post‑implementation data, making the findings preliminary. The study suggests that restricting phone use only during class may simply shift usage to other times without addressing broader digital‑exposure issues.