Cellphones

Learn more about cellphones in K-12 schools—whether they are being banned, used as instructional tools, or something in between

Tracker

Which States Ban or Restrict Cellphones in Schools?
See which states are requiring cellphone restrictions or bans in schools.
Illustration
F. Sheehan for Education Week + Getty
Classroom Technology Then & Now How the 'Sexting' Panic Previewed Today's Debate About Kids' Cellphone Use
As technology evolves, one axiom stays the same: Schools must help students weigh how to responsibly fit it into their lives.
Evie Blad, July 30, 2024
7 min read
0724 opinion summer posts tech bander fs
F. Sheehan/Education Week + iStock + TarikVision
Classroom Technology Opinion What Teachers Need to Know About Classroom Technology
Cellphones and AI can be a blessing for teachers or a burr in their sides. Here's guidance on making the most of today's tools.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 29, 2024
1 min read
A ninth grader places her cellphone in to a phone holder as she enters class at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. At the rural Utah school, there is a strict policy requiring students to check their phones at the door when entering every class. Each classroom has a cellphone storage unit that looks like an over-the-door shoe bag with three dozen smartphone-sized slots.
A 9th grader places her cellphone in a phone holder as she enters class at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. Some educators are hoping for national guidance from the National Education Association on cellphone policies.
Rick Bowmer/AP
Teaching Profession Will the NEA Take a Position on Cellphones in Schools?
Some educators believe a policy statement from the union would give them cover to enforce restrictions that may be unpopular.
Brooke Schultz, July 24, 2024
4 min read
Sets of hands holding phones. Scrolling smartphones, apps mail, applications, photos. cellphone camera.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + iStock/Getty Images
Classroom Technology How to Manage Cellphones in Schools: 6 Tips From Teens (Download)
Three teenagers talk about how schools should think about and manage students' cellphone use.
1 min read
Illustration of cellphone with cracked screen.
iStock
Classroom Technology Opinion Why I Changed My Mind About Cellphones in the Classroom
A decade ago, I championed smartphones as a powerful learning tool—but a lot has changed since then.
Jody Passanisi, July 23, 2024
4 min read
Two students look at a cellphone in class
iStock/Getty Images Plus
Teaching Is Cellphone Management a No-Win Situation? Teachers Weigh In
On social media, educators share their experiences on trying to manage cellphones in the classroom.
Tanyon A. Duprey, July 19, 2024
6 min read
Young girl using a cellphone in class. On her desk is an open notebook and a pencil.
iStock/Getty
Ed-Tech Policy Q&A Why Many Schools' Strict Cellphone Policies May Not Go Far Enough
A national advocacy group says schools need all-day bans on devices.
Elizabeth Heubeck, July 18, 2024
6 min read
Young man and woman without energy on giant phone screen with speech and heart icons above them. Addiction. Contemporary art collage. Concept of social media, influence, online communication
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + iStock
Student Well-Being Q&A Why Educators Need to Better Understand What Drives Kids' Cellphone Addictions
As more school and day-to-day tasks are completed on smartphones and computers, teens struggle to manage their screen time.
Arianna Prothero, July 12, 2024
3 min read
Young girl looking on mobile phone screen with multicolored social media icons. Finding community, belonging. Contemporary art collage. Concept of social media, influence, online communication and connection.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + iStock
Student Well-Being Q&A When Social Media and Cellphones Are Lifelines to Kids Who Feel Different
Like it or not, social media is an important venue for teens to find community and hone their identities.
Arianna Prothero, July 12, 2024
4 min read
Photo collage of hands holding phones with communication symbols superimposed. Learning phone etiquette.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + iStock/Getty Images
Student Well-Being Q&A ‘It’s OK to Not Be on Your Phone’: An 18-Year-Old on Teaching Cellphone Etiquette
Whether it's asking permission to take a photo of someone or dimming a screen in a movie theater, kids need lessons in cellphone etiquette.
Arianna Prothero, July 12, 2024
3 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion 'Magical': How One Teacher Describes a Pandemic-Recovery Moment
Not all student losses from the pandemic are headline-grabbing. Students have forgotten some basic skills.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 12, 2024
7 min read
New York City School Chancellor David Banks speaking at an event at the Union Settlement Union Carver Center where the Mayor talked about a plan to improve child care and early childhood education.
New York City School Chancellor David Banks speaking at an event at the Union Settlement Union Carver Center where the Mayor talked about a plan to improve child care and early childhood education.
Michael Brochstein/Sipa via AP
Ed-Tech Policy Video School Cellphone Ban Is Critical for 'Addicted' Students, NYC Chancellor Says
"I see no good reason for the kids to have access to their phones" during the school day, Chancellor David Banks tells EdWeek.
Libby Stanford, June 28, 2024
6 min read
Photo illustration of cell phone with red circle and slash.
iStock / Getty Images Plus
Ed-Tech Policy Here's What Tech-Savvy Educators Think About Cellphone Bans in Schools
Educators at the International Society for Technology in Education's annual conference have a mix of opinions on cellphone bans.
5 min read
Family Setup brings the Apple Watch experience to the entire family, including kids and older adults.
Teachers say smartwatches, like the Apple Watches pictured here, are a growing distraction in class.
Business Wire via AP
Ed-Tech Policy Smartwatches: The Next Challenge for School Cellphone Policies
A growing number of schools are implementing stringent cellphone policies. But how many include smartwatches?
Elizabeth Heubeck, June 25, 2024
4 min read