A groundbreaking global study has found that banning smartphones in schools does not significantly improve students’ mental health. It also does not enhance academic performance.
New research published in Lancet Regional Health Europe challenges the belief that banning phones helps students. The study tracked 1,227 students from 30 schools across England. It examined mental health, academic success, and overall wellbeing.
Of these schools, 20 had strict phone bans. Despite restrictions, results showed no significant improvement in students’ mental health, anxiety, depression, physical activity, or sleep quality.
MINIMAL REDUCTION IN SCREEN TIME
The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It revealed that phone bans slightly reduced screen time. Students in restrictive schools used phones 40 minutes less and social media 30 minutes less during school hours. Yet, their overall daily usage remained high, averaging 4-6 hours.
Smartphone Use Linked to Poorer Wellbeing
Dr. Victoria Goodyear, Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham and lead researcher, highlighted a strong link between screen time and declining student wellbeing.
“More time spent on phones correlates with worse mental health, lower physical activity, and disrupted sleep,” Dr. Goodyear explained. “This negatively impacts education and classroom behavior.”
ADDRESSING PHONE USE BEYOND SCHOOLS
While schools try to regulate screen time, researchers stress the need for a broader approach.
“We must go beyond school policies,” Dr. Goodyear said. “Phone use outside school also plays a critical role in adolescent wellbeing.”
THE NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS
Professor Miranda Pallan, a senior author of the study, emphasized that school policies alone can’t solve the issue.
“Restrictive policies are not a silver bullet,” she stated. “To improve adolescent wellbeing, addressing overall screen time should be a priority.”
KEY FINDINGS AT A GLANCE
- No significant improvement in mental health, anxiety, or depression with phone bans.
- Slight decrease in school-day screen time, but total daily use remained high.
- More screen time linked to worse sleep, lower physical activity, and poorer classroom behavior.
- Researchers urge a holistic approach beyond school policies.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Limiting smartphone use in schools alone does not solve the issue. To protect student wellbeing, experts recommend tackling screen time at home, school, and across daily life.
HOW CAN WE REDUCE THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF PHONES?
- Educate students on responsible phone usage.
- Encourage screen-free time outside of school.
- Promote alternative activities like sports and reading.
- Implement family screen-time limits.
Adolescents’ digital habits extend beyond classrooms. To truly support mental health, a comprehensive strategy is essential.
