Schools Across America Are Banning Smartphones—Find Out Why Thousands Are Furious!

In recent years, the concept of banning smartphones and social media in schools has gained traction, particularly within **Catholic educational institutions**. While such a ban might initially evoke images of chaos—students resisting rules, parents protesting the inability to contact their children during the school day—an unexpected trend has emerged: compliance and even endorsement from both students and parents.

In the **Diocese of Venice, Florida**, a significant shift occurred at the beginning of the **2025-2026 academic year** when **Jesuit Father John Belmonte**, the **superintendent of Catholic education**, implemented a ban on smartphones across all 15 diocesan schools. Belmonte noted that the move has been overwhelmingly positive: “Students have loved it because they’re actually talking to each other again,” he explains. This newfound social interaction reportedly led to students forming clubs, such as a **UNO card-playing group**, during lunch breaks—activities that had dwindled while students were absorbed in their devices.

This decision was inspired by discussions with colleagues and observations from other schools that had successfully implemented similar bans. With over **6,500 students** affected, the policy mandates that all non-school-issued electronic devices are stored in secure, lockable pouches known as **Yondr bags**. Students carry these bags with them throughout the day and can unlock them only at the end of the school day. Even students outside the pilot program have expressed interest; one fourth grader asked to join the initiative, showcasing a desire to self-regulate his smartphone usage.

Beyond fostering social interaction, the ban has also reportedly improved student attentiveness in the classroom. “When it comes to academics, you want students focused on the teacher and the lesson,” Belmonte stated, emphasizing that distractions from smartphones can hinder learning.

This trend isn't isolated to Florida; across the United States, **26 states** have enacted complete bans on smartphones in **K-12 public schools**, with many others introducing restrictions. According to **Education Week**, **31 states** either currently limit or plan to limit personal device usage in schools for the **2025-26 or 2026-27 school years**. The driving force behind this movement is a growing concern for student mental health. The **U.S. surgeon general** issued a warning in **2023**, indicating that children and adolescents who spend more than **three hours a day** on social media are at a significantly increased risk for mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

In line with these findings, a **December 2025 study** published in the **American Academy of Pediatrics** highlighted alarming statistics: children who receive smartphones at age **12** rather than **13** face a **60% higher risk** for poor sleep and a **40% higher risk** for obesity. Such data has prompted many schools, including **Calvert Hall College High School** in Towson, Maryland, to rethink their technology policies.

Calvert Hall, which has a long history of evolving its cellphone policy, began allowing students to have phones in **2006** but gradually restricted their use. By **2015**, students could only use devices outdoors. Now, violations of this policy can result in up to **six days of detention**. **Danielle Hladky**, the school's Director of Communications and Marketing, elaborates on the importance of direct interactions, saying, “We also look at this as a way for one-on-one interaction, as opposed to the multitasking that you see between lots of adults and even with students.”

However, Hladky clarifies that the school is not opposed to technology altogether. “We’re not trying to shy away from phones; smartwatches; AI-enabled glasses,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that promotes student growth while recognizing the technological landscape they will navigate in the future.

Similar sentiments are echoed by **Christina Mehaffey**, principal of **Faustina Academy** in **Irving, Texas**. This school has taken a more stringent approach by not only banning smartphones on campus but also prohibiting students from having social media accounts during their enrollment. This policy has been in place since **2018** with a formal commitment established in **2022**. Mehaffey highlights the pervasive issues of digital dependence and distractions that students face, stating, “Kids are just struggling left and right. They’re inattentive; they’re not engaged.”

While a **Pew Research Center** survey in **April 2025** found that many teens appreciate social media for connection, nearly **20%** acknowledged its adverse effects on their mental health. Balancing connectivity with emotional well-being is a challenge many educational institutions are now grappling with. Mehaffey hopes other schools will consider similar policies aimed at fostering a more focused and engaged learning environment.

The actions taken by schools in the Diocese of Venice and elsewhere indicate a growing recognition of the need to prioritize mental health and genuine social interactions over constant digital connectivity. With concerns about students’ well-being becoming more pronounced, the conversation surrounding smartphone use in schools is likely to continue evolving in the coming years.