'Close to zero': Schools are spending tens of millions banning phones from classrooms, but test scores aren't improving.

The article focuses on the impact of phone bans in U.S. schools, highlighting a comprehensive study by researchers from Stanford, Duke, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). The study, analyzing data from 4,600 schools, found that phone bans have produced virtually no significant changes in test scores, bullying, attendance, or self-reported attention, though some slight positive effects were noted in high schools. While phone-related disciplinary incidents initially rise, they decline over time, and teachers report improved classroom focus and reduced distractions. Despite these benefits, student math and reading scores continue to decline, possibly influenced by increased computer use in classrooms, which some experts suggest may negatively affect learning outcomes. The findings suggest that phone bans improve social interaction and classroom environment but are not sufficient alone to boost academic performance. [Extracted from the article]