Several U.S. states and schools have introduced rules restricting students' use of mobile phones during the school day, a trend that is also becoming more common in Denmark.
The measures are driven by growing concerns about young people's mental well-being.
According to Medical Daily, both U.S. health authorities and the U.S. Surgeon General have warned that young people's use of smartphones and social media may be contributing to the problem.
However, the rules vary from school to school. Some ban mobile phones throughout the entire school day, while others prohibit their use only during lessons.
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Several factors at play
According to researchers, mobile phones are just one of several factors that may affect young people's mental health.
Loneliness, academic pressure, family finances, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may also play a role.
For that reason, researchers believe it is still too early to determine whether mobile phone bans alone can improve students' well-being, according to the Pew Research Center.
The results are still uncertain
According to the Pew Research Center, the share of U.S. teenagers who said they were online "almost constantly" fell from 46 percent in 2024 to 40 percent in 2025.
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Researchers believe the decline is most likely due to students being prohibited from using their phones during the school day.
As a result, they cannot yet conclude that mobile phone bans lead to improved mental health.
According to the Pew Research Center, further studies over the coming years will be needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
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