A comprehensive global study has concluded that banning smartphones in schools alone does not significantly enhance students' mental health or academic performance. The research, published in Lancet Regional Health Europe, tracked 1,227 students from 30 schools across England. Of these, 20 schools implemented strict phone bans.
Despite the restrictions, the study found no substantial improvements in students' mental health, anxiety, depression, physical activity, or sleep quality. While phone bans slightly reduced screen time, students in restrictive schools still spent an average of 4-6 hours daily on their phones.
The study's lead researcher, Dr. Victoria Goodyear, emphasized a strong correlation between excessive screen time and declining student wellbeing. "More time spent on phones correlates with worse mental health, lower physical activity, and disrupted sleep," she explained. "This negatively impacts education and classroom behavior."
Broader approach
Researchers advocate for a broader approach to address screen time, acknowledging that phone use outside school also significantly impacts adolescent wellbeing. "We must go beyond school policies," Dr. Goodyear said. "Phone use outside school also plays a critical role in adolescent wellbeing."