Phone bans proliferate as digital media's harm to students grows clearer.

The article focuses on the impact of cellphone use and school cellphone bans on child and teen mental health and academic performance. Research indicates that while increased screen time is linked to emotional and behavioral problems, addictive behaviors related to social media and cellphone use are more strongly associated with risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. As of May, 21 U.S. states have implemented classroom cellphone restrictions, with studies from Florida suggesting that limiting phone use during school hours may improve grades and mental health for heavy screen users. However, some findings also show higher rates of severe depressive symptoms among students in schools with phone bans, though causation has not been established.