Experts Recommend Bell-to-Bell Smartphone Bans in Schools

Children and Screens Evidence Council votes 7-2 in favor of full-day restrictions, citing concerns about student focus, learning, and mental health.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:09pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a smartphone icon repeated in a grid pattern, conveying the pervasive presence of mobile devices in modern student life.Experts call for restrictions on student smartphone use during the school day, citing concerns about distraction, learning, and mental health.NYC Today

A strong majority of leading child development and mental health experts have voted in favor of restricting student access to smartphones for the entire school day in K-12 schools. The Children and Screens Evidence Council voted 7-2 to recommend 'bell-to-bell' smartphone bans, citing concerns that phone use can undermine attention, displace learning, impact classroom dynamics, and affect student well-being.

Why it matters

The vote reflects growing expert consensus that smartphones can interfere with core developmental tasks like critical thinking, focused attention, and face-to-face social interaction during the school day. While some experts called for more flexibility and research, the majority view is that restricting phone access may improve academic performance, behavior, and overall classroom environments.

The details

The Evidence Council's position does not advocate for specific laws or mandates, but rather provides an evidence-informed foundation to help guide parents, educators, and policymakers. Experts who voted in favor emphasized that even the mere presence of a phone can divert attention and reduce students' cognitive capacity. They also noted that students may spend significant portions of the school day on their phones, taking time away from instruction and face-to-face engagement. Some experts argued that limiting exposure to social media during the school day may also reduce stressors and allow more time for healthier activities and peer connection.

  • The Children and Screens Evidence Council voted on the position in April 2026.

The players

Kris Perry

Executive Director of Children and Screens.

Dr. Dimitri Christakis

Pediatrician and Council member.

Dr. Paul Weigle

Child and adolescent psychiatrist and Council member.

Dr. Desmond Patton

Council member who voted against a universal bell-to-bell ban.

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What they’re saying

“Schools are where children learn how to think critically, focus their attention deeply, and connect with peers. This vote reflects growing concern that access to smartphones during the school day can interfere with those core developmental tasks, while also recognizing that how these policies are implemented matters.”

— Kris Perry, Executive Director of Children and Screens

“School time is precious. Studies show that adolescents spend 25 percent of it on their phones. That time— whether it's during class, recess or lunch —comes at the expense of learning or face to face interaction. Those experiences are essential to developing children's learning and social skill acquisition.”

— Dr. Dimitri Christakis, Pediatrician and Council member

“Smartphones are an irresistible distraction from schoolwork and the face to face connections. We don't allow kids to smoke or drink alcohol and cannot expect them to manage smartphone use. Smartphone bans give youth the relief from distraction to allow for academic success, healthy relationships, and better mental health. Studies of bans have shown improvements on classroom environment, academic performance, behavior, and need for mental health support.”

— Dr. Paul Weigle, Child and adolescent psychiatrist and Council member

“We do not yet have clear enough evidence to support a universal bell-to-bell smartphone ban in all K-12 schools. Schools should partner with local universities, parent groups, and students to collect and evaluate data on when phones are harmful, for whom, and when they are useful, including for students with invisible disabilities or during emergencies.”

— Dr. Desmond Patton, Council member

What’s next

The Evidence Council plans to continue studying the issue and providing updated guidance as more research becomes available on the impacts of smartphone policies in schools.

The takeaway

While there is growing expert consensus that restricting smartphone access during the school day may benefit student learning and well-being, the implementation of such policies requires careful consideration of individual needs, community context, and ongoing evaluation of outcomes.