SLU/YouGov Poll Analysis: Put the Phones Away: Voters Support Cell Phone Bans in Schools

by Ashley Donaldson Burle, Ph.D. on 08/29/2024

08/29/2024

SLU’s Ashley Burle, Ph.D., provides expert analysis on the latest SLU/YouGov Poll results as they pertain to cell phone policies in schools.

Reading, writing, and arithmetic cannot compete with cell phones. The Pew Research Center found 72% of U.S. high school teachers say cell phone distraction is a major problem in the classroom. Amid growing concerns that phones impede learning, attention has also been brought to the negative impact cell phones can have on students’ well-being. Research suggests excessive screen time has a relationship with increased rates of anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation among children and teenagers. The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in June highlighting the risks associated with social media use and the potential detriment to mental health in children.

In studying the issue worldwide, the International Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED) found a full ban on cell phones was the best way to eliminate distractions in school. The U.S. Department of Education indicated 76% of schools in the U.S. had a policy prohibiting cell phones for non-academic use during school hours, yet less than half (43%) of public high schools had such a rule. The Washington Post reported at least seven of the nation’s 20 largest districts have or plan to have a cell phone ban, while at least another seven impose significant restrictions on cell phone use at school.

At least eight states have passed laws, issued orders, or adopted rules to curb phone use among students at school and other states are considering following suit. Cell phone policies in Missouri are currently determined at the district or school level and vary widely. Students may be requested to keep phones away, required to keep phones in their lockers, or required to place phones in a sealed pouch (e.g., Yondr bag) during school hours. Some Missouri parents have petitioned school boards to crack down on cell phones while others have expressed conflicting feelings about communication with their children in case of emergencies.

The SLU/YouGov August 2024 poll asked Missouri likely voters about their views on cell phones in high schools. Nearly three of four Missouri voters (72%) indicated support for prohibiting high school students from accessing their cell phones during regular school hours. Results across political parties found more than two-thirds of Democrats, Republicans and Independents indicated support for cell phone bans during regular school hours. Notably, only 45% of young voters — those aged 18-29 — supported cell phone bans during school hours, making them the only group without majority support.

Approximately four of five (79%) likely voters supported prohibiting students from accessing their phones during class. Overwhelming support was also indicated based on political party. Young voters were more open to cell phone restrictions during class only with 57% indicating support. The overall results are clear — Missouri voters support policies that put cell phones away while school is in session.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you support or oppose ... Prohibiting high school students from accessing their cell phones during regular school hours?': 72% Support, 15% Oppose, and 12% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 69% Support, 16% Oppose, and 15% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 82% Support, 11% Oppose, and 7% Not Sure.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you support or oppose ... Prohibiting high school students from accessing their cell phones during class?': 79% Support, 14% Oppose, and 7% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 72% Support, 20% Oppose, and 9% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 85% Support, 10% Oppose, and 5% Not Sure.

This analysis is based on data from the August 2024 SLU/YouGov poll and reflects the opinion of the author.