Study Shows Students Use Phones 64 Times Per School Day

Researchers find link between compulsive phone use and reduced concentration and self-control in adolescents.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:37am

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A recent study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill tracked the real-time phone habits of middle and high school students and found that the average teen racks up more than two full hours of screen time during the school day alone. The study also discovered a link between how often students reached for their phones and their performance on tests measuring concentration and self-control.

Why it matters

The findings of this study add to the growing body of evidence highlighting the detrimental impact of smartphones and social media on adolescent development, particularly in academic settings designed to foster sustained attention and learning. As smartphone use continues to permeate classrooms, teachers face increasing challenges in maintaining student focus and engagement.

The details

The study monitored the phone habits of 79 students aged 11 to 18 over two consecutive weeks. Researchers found that students accessed their phones an average of 64 times during the school day, with usage increasing progressively from 16 minutes at 8 a.m. to over 22 minutes by 2 p.m. High school students used their phones significantly more than middle schoolers, averaging 23 minutes per hour compared to 12 minutes. Social media and entertainment apps accounted for nearly 70% of total school-hours screen time. Students who used their phones more often also performed worse on a test measuring concentration and self-control.

  • The study was conducted over two consecutive weeks.
  • The study monitored phone usage from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on school days.

The players

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The university where the researchers who conducted the study are based.

Lauren Hale

A sleep expert and professor at Stony Brook's Renaissance School of Medicine who commented on the study's findings.

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What they’re saying

“That's pretty alarming ... It's too much, not only because of the missed learning opportunity in the classroom.”

— Lauren Hale, Sleep expert and professor

What’s next

The study's findings are expected to inform ongoing debates about whether smartphones should be banned in schools, with some countries already taking steps to restrict social media and device use among students.

The takeaway

This study highlights the growing challenge schools face in maintaining student focus and engagement as smartphone use becomes increasingly pervasive in the classroom. The link between compulsive phone habits and reduced concentration underscores the need for schools and parents to find effective strategies to manage device use and foster healthy digital habits among adolescents.