Coalition of groups, child experts push for schools to implement phone-free policies

By Kristine Sorensen

Updated on: March 25, 2025 / 10:58 AM EDT / CBS Pittsburgh

Schools across the country are grappling with what to do about cell phones and other devices that are often distracting in classrooms and harming social and emotional learning of kids. 

A meta-analysis across 14 countries determined that cell phone use in schools negatively impacts educational outcomes including test scores and GPA, according to Fairplay for Kids. 

Recent studies also show a strong correlation between the increased use of smartphones and social media with increased rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness and suicidal ideation in young people. 

On March 24, a coalition of more than 75 groups and child experts signed a letter calling on all schools to implement a phone-free policy. This includes the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association with almost 5 million members combined, as well as Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of “The Anxious Generation.”