“This is a Great Policy. However…”: Adult Perceptions of Banning Phones in Schools

Student smartphone use is increasing, raising questions about potential impacts on focus, academic performance, social interaction, and mental health. Research findings are mixed on whether these impacts exist and it remains unclear whether banning phones would mitigate these concerns, particularly among parents, teachers, and administrators. This study examines stakeholder perceptions of a newly mandated phone ban and its perceived impacts on teaching, learning, and school climate. A cross-sectional survey of 133 adult respondents, analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, found generally favorable perceptions of the policy alongside concerns about safety, parent-student communication, and enforcement issues. The findings suggest that support for cellphone bans may depend less on the general rationale of the policy and more on whether the policies include room for exceptions.