FAQs

How can schools implement cell phone restrictions affordably?​

There are established practices around the country that provide examples of inexpensive and effective storage. This D.C. middle school uses pencil pouches, and this Dayton, Ohio high school uses manilla envelopes.

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How do these policies affect administrator workload and students' tight schedules?

​Schools with over 2000 students have successfully implemented procedures to support a bell-to-bell policy. Administrators and teachers ultimately regain time in their day with fewer resources spent supporting dysregulated students or handling hazing, harassment, and bullying (HHB) claims. Data shows a dramatic drop in HHB and other behavior incidents after a phone-free policy is enacted.

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What if students don't have cell phones with them during a school shooting or other emergency?

We know this is a major concern for some parents and students. As parents who care deeply about protecting all children, we were surprised to learn that school safety experts actually recommend that students not have phones during a school shooting or similar emergency. Their attention should be squarely on the adult in charge and what is occurring in real time. The most powerful protective factor against school violence is school connectedness. Student use of cell phones during the school day degrades vital social cohesion and enables increased bullying and harassment. 

How can parents stay in touch with their children during the school day?

Developmental psychiatrists say there should be no better place to allow children to explore their independence than in the safety of the school community. Additionally, student anxiety decreases when phones are removed for the day. Regular communication between caregivers and students is always available by calling your child’s school or reaching your child directly via their school-issued email address. 

How can schools support marginalized students who rely on phones and social media for connection? 

Sadly, data shows that marginalized children are most likely to be harmed on social media. Efforts to build a sense of community and connection for all children is crucially important for the well-being of marginalized students. Ways schools can do this include interest-based lunch groups that any student can join, peer-to-peer mentoring and support, professional development for staff, educational curricula to normalize and teach allyship, helping all students build skills to connect and support peers, and clear anti-bullying measures.

How can we help students learn to use phones responsibly?

We need to prepare children with communication and media literacy skills, as well as the ability to focus and think critically. These skills are best learned through face to face communication, not with devices that are purposely designed to addict them. We do not ask kids to take drugs to learn how to manage drug addiction. We should not ask them to carry phones to learn how to manage phone addiction.

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How can two-factor authentication work at schools that don’t allow students to have their cell phones with them?

Schools can use hardware security keys, small USB devices used for two-factor authentication (2FA) instead of a phone. To authenticate, the user taps or inserts the key into their computer, eliminating the need for a phone to log on. These keys provide stronger protection against phishing and SIM-swapping attacks, which is why some schools and workplaces have adopted them, even in settings without cell phone restrictions.