Students in phone-free schools are happier, healthier, and more focused on their learning, new research shows.
The research, conducted by Flinders University, involved a survey of more than 1,500 students from five South Australian schools before and after the state implemented mobile phone bans in June 2023, including in depth follow up insights from hundreds of students on the mobile phone ban.
Students reported stronger social connections, such as more face-to-face interaction, better quality conversations, and greater awareness of peers and their surroundings.
Marked improvements in classroom focus were also observed, with less distraction, greater engagement in learning, and reports of higher grades. Teachers also reported spending less time managing students’ phones.
Importantly, phone-free schools enjoyed stronger health and safety, with schools reporting reduced screen time, more exercise, improved mood, and less cyberbullying and conflict. Many students described their schools as happier, friendlier, and safer environments since the ban.
Dr Marcela Radunz, research fellow and clinical psychologist from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work at Flinders University, said while the benefits of phone-free schools are clear, bans are only one part of the solution.
“The findings reaffirm that while bans can be a cost-effective tool, they should be paired with broader strategies, including digital literacy and mental health programs, to prepare young people for life in an increasingly digital world.”
One student involved in the study said their school has been harmonious since the phone bans.
“Ever since we have had the phone ban, we have no fights,” the student said. “People are making more friends and are socialising and playing more sports during break.”
Professor of Psychology Dan King, senior author of the studies, said the cumulative impact of phone bans could be significant.
“Although improvements were modest, research is supporting the idea that even small reductions in psychological distress could have important public health implications if implemented at a large scale.”