NBER Study Finds School Phone Bans Cut On-Campus Activity 30% as Test Score Gains Split by Grade
Updated
Updated · Kursiv Media · Jun 4
NBER Study Finds School Phone Bans Cut On-Campus Activity 30% as Test Score Gains Split by Grade
1 articles · Updated · Kursiv Media · Jun 4
Summary
GPS data showed lockable phone pouches cut on-campus phone activity 30%, while teacher reports said in-class personal phone use fell to 13% from 61%.
A 16% rise in suspensions hit in the first year as schools enforced the bans, and student well-being initially dropped before rebounding above pre-ban levels in year two.
Standardized test scores were roughly unchanged overall, with high schools posting modest gains—especially in math—while middle schools saw slight declines.
No measurable improvement appeared in attendance, classroom attention or perceived online bullying, suggesting the pouches remove phones effectively but do not solve broader school challenges.