As of August 2025 there are 14 states that have active laws or executive orders that ban or restrict cell phone use in schools. The reality is that more and more states are in line to take action, since evidence has proven that student performance increases without phones.
Florida was the latest state to enforce this law. For elementary and middle school students, their phones will be prohibited throughout the entire school day; however, for high school students, phones are permitted before and after school, during passing periods, and at lunch.
How to help your teen cope with their school phone ban:
The majority of young people believe their cell phones are just as important as their oxygen. The thought of a day of school without technology could be extremely overwhelming if they are not prepared.
In a 2025 Pulse Survey for Boston Children’s Digital Wellness, the majority of teens (63 percent) admitted that their cell phones are a major source of distraction at school.
Over the years parents have recognized the negative effects that cell phones and especially social media have had on their teen’s mental health. Taking a break from their digital lives will actually benefit their overall emotional wellness, as well as increase their focus and academic performance.
3 Quick tips to prepare your teen for their new normal:
1. Explain the “why”. Teenagers are smart. Most realize they spend too much time on their phones and it’s not good for them. In a 2025 report, almost half of teens admitted they spend too much time on social media and over a third shared they were concerned about their mental health.
By not having their phones in school, your teen may experience a break from the constant pressure of scrolling, checking-in, online appearances and social media validation. If your teen is a victim of cyberbullying, school phone bans (as well as restricted usage) also reduces online bullying. Without the screen distraction, your teenager will be better able to focus on their school work which can lead to better grades and self-worth.
2. Friends in real life. Without constantly staring at a screen, teens can look up and reconnect with their friends as well as make new ones. Remind them they are not alone in this new normal of no-phones or restricted phone usage. Most everyone will be struggling with the absence of their digital connection. It can be healthy to talk about it as they are searching for ways to fill their void and eventually realize that they are making deeper friendships offline.
Encourage your teen to take time to not only have conversations with their friends, but learn more about them and their interests. What did they do over the summer, do they have a job, did they travel to any cool places maybe attend a fun camp? Talking face to face can strengthen their interpersonal skills (which they will need in their future), foster a sense of trust, and promote empathy outside of their digital world.
3. Be supportive and understanding. It’s going to be hard and your teen is going to be upset initially. You don’t want to argue with them on this issue — at this point, it is the school policy. Allow them to vent, listen to their concerns with understanding and compassion, then you can start offering them ways to make the transition easier.
Help them to understand that although the school policies will not change, there are ways to make the best of a situation they are not happy with and eventually they may find benefits to it. As studies have proven, grade scores will go up, and new friendships could be formed.
Your support and understanding could make a difference in how your teen adapts to new school policies.
Finally, having a home plan in place with limited screen time can help ease the start of the school year for your teen. The decision to ban phones in schools or restrict phone usage is something that everyone needs time to adjust to — especially our young people. It takes time and patience, but hopefully they will see it is for their benefit in the end.
Image credit: Freepik
