While many states have at least partially banned cellphones in the classroom this back-to-school season, some are still leaving those decisions to their local education agencies, according to a new data analysis conducted by ABC News.
Overall, 20 states plus D.C. and the Virgin Islands have completely banned wireless communication devices — including personal phones or tablets — for the entire instructional day. There are, however, exceptions for students with disabilities who have individualized education programs.
In contrast, 17 states — such as Maryland and Wyoming — have not banned the use of wireless communication devices in schools on the state level.
The remaining 16 states have chosen a more relaxed approach, with some recommending the individual school districts decide their own policies, and others only requiring a policy to be formed by 2026.
The Department of Education is on a quest to return all education responsibilities and decisions to the states. It leaves cellphone guidance to the local level.
Cellphone usage continues to be one of the most contentious issues for education leaders. Education experts told ABC News that electronic devices stifle engagement, disrupt learning by causing distractions and create adverse mental-health issues in adolescents.
The modern smartphone debuted in 2007 — nearly 20 years ago — but school cellphone issues were exacerbated over the last few years, according to educators who spoke to ABC News.
Thomas Toch, the director of FutureEd, an education policy center at Georgetown University, said he believes using cellphones in schools is generally problematic with the harm outweighing the good.
“It’s a problem,” Toch argued. “We’re trying to get kids to engage, to immerse themselves in the subject at hand, to communicate with their peers, to be part of a learning community.”
One of the top concerns for parents and families is their ability to contact their children in case of an emergency.
School safety is the #1 priority for educators, according to interviews with city leaders and education officials, especially with the influence of recent school shootings.