Governors Focus on Distraction-Free Learning

“The research is clear, cellphone use can create a trifecta of consequences for our young people – mental health issues, safety in school, and distraction from learning.”

Governor Tina Kotek

Oregon

Regarding the use of cell phones in schools, the research is clear, and growing, as Phones in Focus has just released preliminary findings from a new national survey of more than 20,000 public school educators. Findings suggest that stricter, school-wide cell phone policies are linked to less in-class phone use and higher teacher satisfaction. In viewing the survey Governors had this to say:

“We all know the statistics that show why overexposure to screens is bad for our kids, but I was also compelled as a mom of three to protect kids from the harms of constant phone use. Arkansas classrooms are now bell-to-bell no cell so students can have fewer distractions, better learning opportunities, and less worries in the classroom. Testimonials from our teachers show why this initiative is so important. This isn’t a red state or a blue state issue; it’s about putting our kids first.”

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Arkansas

“We can’t afford to ignore what educators are telling us. This survey makes it clear that the people closest to our students are sounding the alarm about the impact of phones in the classroom—and they’re pointing us toward solutions that work. In Maryland, we are committed to putting educator voice at the center of our decisions, and we’ll continue to act urgently to make sure our classrooms are places where students and educators alike can focus and thrive.”

Governor Wes Moore

Maryland

Phones in Focus is a 2025 national research initiative led by author Angela Duckworth to gather educators’ input on school cell phone policies, with a goal of developing evidence-based recommendations for policies that support academic learning, social well-being and student focus. Data collection will continue until the end of 2025 to create longitudinal evidence about which specific policies produce the best student outcomes.

“Smart phones have beneficial roles when used in proper settings. However, these often-disruptive devices have no place in our classrooms during the school day except for educational purposes or during an emergency.”

Governor Kay Ivey

Alabama

“Our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling – and that’s why New York will be ready to implement bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions on the first day of school”

Governor Kathy Hochul

New York

Governors across the United States have been implementing cell phone restriction policies in schools as a strategy to improve student achievement and well-being. New York has passed bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions for all K-12 schools; Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed the FOCUS Act, prohibiting students’ use of smartphones and other wireless devices inside Alabama’s public schools; and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law a yearlong ban on student cellphone use in all Oklahoma public schools. These are just a few examples; as of last month, at least 44 states saw new legislative or budgetary proposals to regulate cellphone use in schools in 2025, and at least 29 states have implemented regulations. This bipartisan movement reflects Governors’ concerns about declining student focus and anticipation that eliminating classroom distractions can potentially boost academic performance.

“We’re seeing classrooms across the country struggle with the influx of cellphone use by students. We want kids to be focused and present while they’re with their teachers.”

Governor Kevin Stitt

Oklahoma

Given an uptick in bipartisan gubernatorial and state action in this area, Dr. Duckworth joined nearly 40 Governors’ education policy advisors from 26 states and territories to dig into school cellphone policies and their impact on student success at NGA’s annual Governors’ Education Policy Advisors Institute last month in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Duckworth began her fireside chat by introducing attendees to the Phones in Focus project, and sharing initial results. Findings suggest that where phones are stored during the school day may matter as much as when students are forbidden from using them, and in terms of teacher satisfaction: the stricter the policy, the better. Dr. Duckworth also offered insights into how this project overlaps with her previous work on developing grit and other life skills in young learners, noting that a student’s environment directly affects the development of such skills and is an equally important factor in their long-term success. The full video of Dr. Duckworth’s fireside chat at the Institute is available below. Visit this page for updates on the Phones In Focus project.