School cellphone bans won't turn back the clock
Such bans constitute an earnest attempt to help struggling children and mitigate the crisis in America's education system. But as a former teacher and principal, I have to say: This is wishful thinking at best, and dangerous scapegoating at worst.
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Let's be clear: Haidt is right about one thing — kids are struggling. At the same time, our education system is in crisis. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress,
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Cellphones are not the root cause of educational or mental health problems. An
What matters is how cellphones are used. Are students scrolling aimlessly, or are they leveraging their devices to access information, collaborate on projects, and build new skills? In 2025, cellphone literacy isn't just a nice-to-have; understanding the productivity solutions offered by personal devices is a core competency. Students will enter a world where the ability to communicate, collaborate, and create online is as fundamental as reading and math. By banning phones, we're denying kids the opportunity to learn how to use these tools for both skill development and social/emotional development responsibly and effectively.
It's also important to recognize who is most affected by these bans. For many students in schools without the funding for classroom computers and personal tablets, cellphones are an essential connection to the digital world. During my time leading a high school in the Bronx and as a special-education teacher, I saw English learners use their phones to translate assignments, record lectures, access educational apps, and stay in touch with family members. The reality is, when we ban phones, we're not leveling the playing field — we're widening the gap. We're taking away a vital tool that helps these students keep up with their peers, access resources, and participate fully in school life.
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Instead of banning cellphones, we should be looking for ways cellphones can
help
our kids. Why wouldn't we focus on apps that support real-time assessment so teachers can tailor instruction to the kids in their classroom? Or on how to use a calendar, conduct real-time research, or leverage AI note-taking? Or on playing games that empower kids to test their language and writing skills? Why not empower students to use cellphones in ways that enhance their learning, rather than treating them as an enemy to be vanquished? This doesn't mean we should have unrestricted phone use in classrooms — it means we need to set boundaries, model healthy habits, and commit to guiding children with clarity and confidence, rather than fear.
It's tempting to think that if we could just turn back the clock, we could restore a childhood free from digital distractions. But the world has changed, and nostalgia won't help us prepare our children for the future. We owe it to our students to confront the real challenges they face, not by banning the tools of their generation but by helping them use those tools wisely, creatively, and safely.
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