Cellphone bans in K-12 schools are expanding, with nearly 40 states restricting student phone use during the school day, and educators reporting gains in focus, engagement, and test scores. A Pew Research Center survey finds only about 40% of teens support bans, with sharp racial gaps: 46% of white teens support them versus 33% of Black teens and 36% of Hispanic teens. Researcher David N. Figilio suggests Black teens may fear disproportionate punishment: “If Black students believe that they will be more likely to be punished… they might be more concerned.” A working paper cited links bans to first-year suspension spikes, later declines, and second-year test score gains.
