Phones are banned in Florida schools: Studies show improved test scores, better attendance, and fewer distractions

Around 20 US states and territories—including Washington, D.C., and the US Virgin Islands—have now implemented similar phone and tablet restrictions during the school day. These rules typically include exceptions for pupils with disabilities who have Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs). In contrast, 17 states such as Maryland and Wyoming have yet to introduce any statewide regulations. Sixteen other states have opted for a decentralised approach, granting local districts the authority to set their own mobile device policies. In Puerto Rico, schools are required to establish policies by 2026. The study, released by the National Bureau of Economic Research and covered by ABC News, assessed the effects of phone restrictions in one Florida school district. The researchers found th