It is estimated that 80% of school districts in the U.S. have some type of cell phone policy. Is yours going far enough?

We enter 2024 with hundreds of lawsuits filed on behalf of children and school districts against social media behemoths for purportedly fostering addiction among young users of their platforms. Over 40 states are also pursuing lawsuits, as numerous studies have linked social media to a staggering growth in mental health issues among America’s youth, including anxiety, depression, suicide, self-harm, low self-esteem, and more.

In fact, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory in 2023 to draw attention to social media’s impact on our youth. According to the advisory, up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 say they use social media, with 30% indicating use is almost constant. About 40% of youth ages 8 to 12 are using social media (even though 13 is the minimum age for use). What isn’t known is whether this is safe for young users, considering the lack of information about its impact on brain development.

The advisory goes onto acknowledge there are pros and cons to social media for young users. On the plus side, it can help foster community and connections, allow self-expression, and provide a gateway to information. On the negative side, depending on daily usage, studies show it can significantly increase signs of depression and anxiety, lower self-esteem, increase bullying and peer pressure, contribute to attention deficits, and more. It also dramatically increases exposure to potentially harmful content.

The advisory says charting a path forward will require effort on the part of policymakers, technology companies, parents and caregivers, researchers, and today’s youth, but time is of the essence as the impact of social media on youth is occurring right now.

As the U.S. grapples with the issue, France, Italy, Portugal, Finland, and China already ban cell phones at school. More recently, England adopted guidance supporting a ban in schools, leaving the door open to legislation making the guidance statutory in the future. The ban applies to both class and break times, with a goal of improving focus, decreasing disruptive behavior and bullying, and removing distractions.

With litigation playing out in the U.S. and potential legislation seemingly on the distant horizon, the majority of school administrators and education professionals are taking the reigns to advocate for policies managing or limiting cell phone use at school.

A spectrum of approaches is being used. Some districts have policies negating the use of cell phones during class time or throughout the entire school day. Some give individual teachers the authority to determine cellphone use in their class. Some have centralized storage for cell phones or designated areas where use is allowed. Still, consistent enforcement has been a challenge.

A growing number of schools are turning to buying patented phone pouches, produced by a company called Yondr, that are locked at the start of the school day and unlocked when school is over, with seemingly positive feedback from educators, parents, and students alike. A survey of over 900 school partners that adopted these pouches revealed 65% saw improved academic performance, 74% saw improved student behavior, and 83% saw improved student engagement in the classroom.

As you and your team work with parents, students, educators, healthcare professionals, and legal council to determine a path forward for managing cell phone use during school hours, you can count on RBT CPAs for all of your accounting, audit, tax, and advisory needs. Give us a call to learn more.

RBT CPAs is proud to say 100% of its work is prepared in America. Our company does not offshore work, so you always know who is handling your confidential financial data.

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice. As always, it’s in your best interest to work with your district’s legal advisor when contemplating new policies and procedures.