Historically, school boards or superintendents set policies around handheld technologies, such as cellphones and tablets. However, in 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) became the first governor to sign a law specifically restricting student cellphone use during class time, preempting local authority over the matter. More governors and lawmakers soon followed suit with their own school cellphone restrictions.
Proponents of bans, like social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, argued cellphones were negatively affecting student learning and contributing to increases of anxiety, depression, and bullying among teens. Opponents argued against what they consider the one-size-fits-all nature of these state laws and said it was important that parents are able to contact their children during emergencies.
