(Credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock)

NEW YORK — Most Americans think cell phones should have some form of restrictions in schools, according to new research. A recent survey found that 71% of Americans support cell phone limitations in schools in some form, while only 29% oppose any restrictions.

The nationwide survey of 2,000 Americans, conducted by Talker Research, comes as Texas prepares to vote on a statewide prohibition of mobile devices in educational settings. The results show Americans are increasingly concerned about how constant access to phones affects learning and student wellbeing.

More Support for Limiting Younger Students’ Phone Use

Americans are most concerned about cell phone use among younger students. More than half of respondents (54%) want phones banned in elementary schools. Support decreases slightly for older students, with 49% favoring bans in middle schools and 45% supporting restrictions in high schools.

This pattern suggests people recognize that different age groups have different needs and responsibilities. Many believe the youngest students face the highest risk from distractions and have the least need for independent phone access.

Educational Concerns Are the Main Reason for Support

The top reason people support cell phone restrictions is straightforward: 78% worry that phones distract students during lessons and harm their education. This reflects growing awareness of research showing links between phone use and poorer academic performance.

Nearly as many supporters (72%) are concerned that children spend too much time on devices overall. School restrictions are seen as one way to promote healthier technology habits.

Cyberbullying is another major concern, with 47% of ban supporters citing it as a reason for restrictions. Meanwhile, 45% worry about students using artificial intelligence to cheat or avoid learning, showing how new technologies create new challenges for schools.

Younger Adults Less Supportive of Bans

The survey revealed a clear age divide in attitudes toward phone restrictions. Members of Generation Z, who grew up with smartphones, show the strongest opposition to bans. About 41% of Gen Z respondents oppose restrictions compared to just 26% of Baby Boomers.

This 15-percentage-point difference suggests that personal experience with technology in school shapes opinions about regulation. Those who went to school before smartphones became common appear more likely to view them as unnecessary or potentially harmful in classrooms, while younger Americans may see them as normal tools for learning and connecting.

Parents With Kids in School Less Enthusiastic About Bans

Interestingly, parents with children currently in school show less support for bans that would affect their own children compared to the general public.

Only 40% of parents with elementary school children support bans at that level, significantly lower than the 54% support among all respondents. This pattern continues with parents of middle schoolers (39% support versus 49% overall) and high schoolers (34% versus 45% overall).

In contrast, parents whose children have finished school show above-average support for device restrictions across all age groups. This suggests that immediate concerns about staying in touch with their children may outweigh educational considerations for parents with school-aged kids, while those looking back may focus more on the learning environment.

Most Americans Want Balance, Not Complete Bans

Despite strong support for restrictions, Americans favor moderate approaches rather than outright bans. Only 19% of respondents want to completely prohibit devices from schools, suggesting most people see some benefits to controlled access.

The most popular solution, supported by 56% of respondents, is allowing phone use only during specific times such as lunch, breaks, or free periods. This balanced approach recognizes both the potential distractions of devices and their usefulness when used appropriately.

A smaller group (11%) believes phones should be permitted for educational purposes only, reflecting how technology is increasingly part of teaching and learning.

Very few Americans—just 8% of those surveyed—think students should have unrestricted access to phones in school, showing the broad agreement that some limits are needed.

The survey also looked at attitudes toward technological approaches to limiting phone use. A majority (54%) would support technology that blocks cell phone signals during class time, while 28% would oppose such measures and 18% aren’t sure.

This shows openness to technical solutions but also reflects concerns about potential problems with signal-blocking technology in schools.

Communication Concerns Drive Opposition

Among those who oppose phone bans, the main concern is parent-child communication. A majority of ban opponents (58%) cite the need for parents to contact their children at all times as their primary objection.

This highlights how many Americans, especially parents, see mobile phones as both potential classroom distractions and essential safety tools. The ability to quickly reach children in emergencies has become a key part of modern parenting that many don’t want to give up.

More than a quarter of ban opponents (27%) believe children have a right to their devices. A smaller group (13%) wants nuanced policies rather than “all or nothing” approaches to device use in schools.

Texas Vote Could Set a Trend

The timing of this survey is particularly relevant as Texas prepares to vote on a statewide ban on cell phones in schools. If such a measure passes in America’s second most populous state, it could encourage similar rules across the country and significantly change how technology is used in American schools.

The strong overall support for restrictions shown in this survey suggests that the Texas proposal reflects broader national sentiment, even as people disagree on specific details. Support for limited access times rather than total bans suggests most people favor teaching responsible technology use rather than simply restricting it.