(NewsNation) — A majority of those polled by the Pew Research Center support schools implementing bans on students using phones in the classroom.
About 68% of U.S. adults who responded to the survey conducted Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2024 say they approve of such rules, with 45% saying they “strongly” support them.
However, Pew notes fewer people are interested in seeing full-day restrictions. Only one-third favored prohibiting phone use for the entire school day, including during lunch and between classes, while a little over half of those asked (53%) oppose it.
Young adults are less likely to want a cellphone ban for middle and high schoolers. Of those under 30, 45% say they support one. Among those 30 to 49 years old, 67% want these restrictions, while 80% among those ages 50 and older do.
Majorities in the Republican (74%) and Democrat parties (64%) supported banning cell phone usage during class.
Almost all (98%) of those who took the poll said they backed not allowing cell phones in class because it would mean fewer distractions for students. Other reasons included are that it would help students develop better social skills, (70%); that students would be less likely to cheat (50%); and reduce bullying in schools (39%).
On the other hand, six in ten people against a cellphone ban said they opposed one because parents should be able to reach their child when needed, according to Pew.
The push to enact policies restricting cellphone use in schools is growing, with several states passing legislation to do so in recent years.
This includes California, whose governor signed an act requiring school districts to limit or entirely prohibit smartphone use by July 2026 except when medically necessary, during emergencies, or for educational purposes.
Florida made it so cellphone use during class time is not allowed for K-12 classrooms, and blocks access to social media on school districts’ Wi-Fi, Louisiana has a ban on the possession of cell phones throughout the school day that took effect in the 2024-2025 academic year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.