Teens spend an average of 1.5 hours on phones during every school day, with 25% of students logging on for more than two hours, according to a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Social media and messaging apps account for almost a quarter of kids’ school day, the study suggests, raising concerns about distractions, lost learning and whether or not schools should enforce stricter rules.
The study tracked phone usage with an app that measured screen time and activity on both Android and iOS devices.
Although the newly published study was a descriptive study that did not examine the risks or benefits of school-day phone use, experts worry that frequent scrolling could have lasting consequences — not just for academics, but for social development as well. Grabbing phone time through the day may seem harmless, but excessive use may have lasting consequences for learning and beyond.
Recognizing that digital devices may be eroding the quality of learning, many states have moved to limit their availability in schools. In September, California passed a law requiring schools to restrict or ban smartphones to reduce distractions and mental health risks. Florida banned phones during class time in 2023, while states including Ohio and South Carolina are considering a ban or limit on cell phones, according to Johns Hopkins University.
These efforts reflect growing concerns about how smartphones impact learning and student well-being.
The challenge now is finding the right balance — both in the classroom and beyond — to promote a healthy learning environment, she said.
JAMA Pediatrics
