Cellphone bans spread in schools amid mental health concerns

As students return to school, a number of states and districts are facing cell phone restrictions and bans amid growing mental health concerns.

Districts including Los Angeles and Clark County have introduced restrictions, with some requiring phones to be stored in pouches during school hours. Several states, such as Indiana, Louisiana, and Florida, have enacted laws limiting cell phone use, and more states are considering similar measures.

The push comes from teachers, parents, and experts who argue that phones distract students and contribute to mental health issues, especially due to social media. Research supports the idea that taking phones away can improve students’ anxiety levels, mindfulness, and academic performance. While some students and parents oppose the bans, citing concerns about emergency communication, educators argue that school offices can handle these situations.

GW experts across multiple disciplines are available to discuss these developments.

Dr. Mary DeRaedt is an assistant professor of counseling and human development at GW’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development. DeRaedt is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Nationally Certified Counselor with a Doctorate in Counseling and Supervision. She provides psychotherapy for people of all ages at the Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education. Her doctoral work was completed at the George Washington University where she focused on effective treatments for children and adolescents coping with trauma, anxiety, non-suicidal self-injury, depression, behavior disorders and disordered eating.

Mohana Mukherjee is a sociologist specializing in crime, cyber-criminology, and youth conflict. With over a decade of experience in the field of sociology, particularly in the realm of crime and deviance, she has undertaken comprehensive research on a wide array of subjects. Her research pursuits cover a range of themes, including investigations into school bullying, youth conflict dynamics, the intricate interplay between sexual assault and criminal conduct, as well as cyber-criminology with a specific focus on cyberbullying and image-based sexual harassment.

Lorenzo Norris, is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and chief wellness officer at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Rhonda Schwindt, is an associate professor at the GW School of Nursing. She is a nationally certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.

-GW-