A recent Pew Research Center report found that 68% of adults believe middle- and high-school students shouldn’t use phones during class, with many supporting access only during breaks. This sentiment aligns with a growing trend of schools banning phones, which is largely supported by teachers but not always favored by students. The debate about phone usage in schools contrasts with broader discussions about social media’s impact on teen mental health. While practical measures like classroom phone bans can be implemented immediately, the relationship between social media use and mental health remains complex and contested. Research findings are mixed, with arguments both supporting and challenging the idea that social media harms teens.
