A new study from the University of Birmingham has found that banning smartphones in schools does not lead to better academic performance or improved mental health for students. Despite the bans, students’ behavior, sleep, and physical activity were similar to those in schools that allowed phones. However, the study did highlight that excessive smartphone and social media use was linked to worse mental well-being, lower grades, and more disruptive behavior in class. The research suggests that simply banning phones isn’t enough to tackle these issues; instead, reducing screen time overall is a more effective solution. Some schools report benefits like fewer bullying incidents and stronger social skills, but the study points out that more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
