States across the U.S. are racing to ban cell phones in schools. Phones and screens aren’t just a distraction in classrooms they’re creating serious problems for teen mental health and early childhood development.

Let’s get into the reasons behind this movement and why limiting screen time, both in schools and at home, matters more than ever. You can also watch my video below.

What Does Screen Time Do to Young Children?

The majority of my experience in education has been working with young children. I know firsthand how early brain development shapes kids' future learning and behavior, but I was even shocked when I learned about the ongoing research on screen time and young kids. Screen time for young kids has become a normal part of their childhood, but its effects might be worse than some parents realize. From brain development to language skills, excessive screen use can interfere with important milestones in early childhood development.

The Science Behind Screen Time and Brain Development

For young kids, the stakes are high. Research from JAMA Pediatrics shows that kids aged 3 to 5 who use screens for more than an hour a day experience changes in their brain’s white matter. White matter is important for skills like reading, speech, and overall cognitive development. Dr. John Hutton, who is the lead author of the study, explains that the first five years are crucial for brain development, as connections formed during this period last for life.

Early Screen Use and Language Development

Another study from JAMA found that children aged 1 to 3 who spend more time on screens hear fewer adult words, speak less, and have fewer conversations with their parents. For three-year-olds, the effects are especially alarming. Every extra minute of screen time results in hearing seven fewer words and speaking five fewer words.

Why Screen Time in Young Kids Is Concerning

The first five years are vital for brain development. Overusing screens during this period could have long-term consequences, but we still don’t fully know how much damage is being done. Even one hour of screen time a day can impact brain health. Imagine what happens when kids watch three hours a day over several years.

The Impact of Cell Phones on Learning and Mental Health

As of October 2024, 15 states have created policies regarding cell phone use in schools. Some states have started giving schools grants for lockable pouches for phones to be placed into, and other states have outright banned the use of phones in schools. Cell phones are everywhere and their presence is creating problems for both teen learning and well-being. Teachers are struggling to manage distracted students and the research on teen mental health and phone use is needs to be discussed more.

How Cell Phones Distract Students in the Classroom

In classrooms across the U.S., cell phones are a constant source of distraction. While they can be used for learning in controlled environments, most teens use them for social media or gaming instead. Surveys from Pew Research show that the vast majority of high school teachers see cell phones as a significant distraction, but what’s even worse? Most teachers admit they’re struggling to enforce school policies that are supposed to help. The truth is current school policies are just not working.

The Mental Health Crisis Linked to Cell Phones

It’s not just classroom performance that’s suffering. Cell phones are also linked to a mental health crisis among teens. From anxiety to depression, the statistics are concerning. Studies from 2021 reported that 42% of teens said they had feelings of sadness and hopelessness, almost double the number from just 10 years before that. The truth is we can’t ignore the correlation between rising phone use and declining mental health.

From 2015 to 2021, teen cell phone use has risen by almost 30%. Social media apps, in particular, are designed to be addictive, leaving young teens stuck in harmful cycles that can deeply affect their emotional well-being.

The Results of Phone Bans in Schools

Other countries have already banned cell phones for years, and what they found was that kids had less visits for psychological consultations, a decline in bullying for both boys and girls, and improved academic performance. Furthermore, these improvements were even more pronounced in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds and the schools with the strictest bans had the best results.

Balancing Screen Time and Tech Literacy

Technology is here to stay, but finding the right balance for kids is important. While screens can provide entertainment and sometimes educational value, too much screen time can interfere with development.

Why Limiting Screen Time Won’t Hurt Tech Skills

Many parents fear that reducing screen time could impact their child’s tech literacy. The truth? These apps are designed to be intuitive. Kids don’t need constant exposure to figure out how to use them. True tech skills, like coding and critical thinking, should be taught in structured learning environments, not through endless screen scrolling.

Alternatives to Excessive Screen Time

Instead of handing over a device, encourage kids to engage in hands-on activities like building blocks, puzzles, or playing outside. Reading together, outdoor exploration, and simple conversations also go a long way in developmental growth. If you are looking for fun activities to do with your young kid, I have designed courses for parents to learn how to teach their kids at home. Teaching sessions are short and fun, and you can learn more about my work here. Parents are the best teachers and teaching reading, math, and general knowledge can turn into a truly magical moment for the whole family.

Creating a Culture Shift Around Screens

This issue goes beyond schools. It needs to be a societal challenge. Parents need to step in and take charge of screen habits at home. Setting boundaries, modeling healthy phone use, and spending quality time with your child are some of the best ways to make a difference.

The tech industry has designed apps to keep us hooked, and children are the most vulnerable. Parents, schools, and policymakers need to push back against this trend and demand more accountability from tech companies.

The evidence is clear: cell phones and excessive screen time are harming kids. From teen mental health to developmental delays, the risks are too big to ignore. Banning phones in schools is a great first step, but this fight requires a bigger cultural shift. It’s time to take action—starting with what happens at home.

Why Limiting Screen Time Is Crucial for Young Children