Where Are Phones Banned in Schools? A State-by-State Guide

On June 29, 2007, the iPhone made its debut, ushering in the era of smartphones that almost all K–12 students are now a part of.

However, there is a chance that pupils’ access to electronics throughout the school day will be severely limited. With the argument clearly in favor of more stringent regulations, an increasing number of legislators and school authorities are implementing new cellphone laws. They contend that limiting access will improve pupils’ academic and emotional health.

According to an Education Week count, school districts are required by at least 24 states and the District of Columbia to prohibit or limit students’ use of smartphones in class. Other states are either encouraging or advising local districts to implement their own restrictions or prohibitions.

Education Week is monitoring state-level laws and regulations that seek to restrict students’ access to smartphones throughout the school day as the discussion surrounding these devices in classrooms continues.

Policies & Laws Regarding Cellphones

To see what’s going on at the state level, follow this tracker.

A summary of current state policies regarding cellphones

Note:
Some states have laws requiring schools to develop general cellphone policies, but do not mandate restriction or bans.

State policy details