By Dr. Lyndon Haviland

October 2, 2024

TheHill.com

California’s new law directing school districts to limit student cell phone use during teaching hours may sound controversial, but it is a big win for child and adolescent public health — and a potentially important step in helping America’s students improve their mental well-being. …

There’s evidence these restrictions can lead to positive student outcomes.

Norway limited cell phone use in hundreds of middle schools years ago, and it reduced bullying (for both boys and girls) by over 40 percent. Student visits to psychology specialists dropped an astonishing 60 percent while overall grade point averages increased. …

[And] schools that have already implemented phone restrictions in the U.S. have seen encouraging academic and behavioral results in a short period of time. …

Limiting cell phones at K-12 schools across the country can strengthen teen health, advance student learning and build better school communities. America could use a healthy dose of all of the above.