What evidence is there that smartphone-free schools are beneficial?

[.style-intro]Anecdotally, the verdict is already in: teachers overwhelmingly support stronger smartphone policies in schools, and those that go smartphone-free say they’d never go back. But now, the academic research is catching up – and the evidence is compelling. Study after study shows that smartphone-free schools see better behaviour, higher academic results, improved mental health, and a stronger sense of community. And the stricter the policy, the greater the gains. Here’s what the research says:[.style-intro]

Better academic performance

Without the distraction of constant notifications, students concentrate better, participate more, and achieve stronger results.

• One major study found that students at smartphone-free schools achieve 1–2 grades higher at GCSE, and are twice as likely to be rated Outstanding by Ofsted – Schools that go smartphone free get better results, Policy Exchange 2024.
• Another UK study found that student performance in exams improved significantly when smartphones were banned, and that it was amongst the lower achieving students where there was the greatest improvement. 
• A University of Texas study found that banning smartphones led to a 6.4% improvement in test scores – and a 14.2% improvement among the most disadvantaged students.
• A 2014 study found that the 'mere presence' of a phone, even if it's in a bag, can still be a distraction and "result in attentional and performance deficits". 
• These results are supported by a 2020 study, that found that the presence of a smartphone affects learning recall and memory.
• A 2024 review of the evidence around the efficacy of smartphone bans in schools, found restricting personal devices improved student performance, namely because it “gives respite from the intense engagement with products and services that constantly demand children’s attention, allowing space for learning, particularly for those already struggling.”
• A survey from Scotland’s secondary teachers union, the SSTA, found that 92% of lessons were interrupted by mobile phones. 75% of teachers said that the majority or all of their lessons were interrupted. 

Improved mental health

Removing smartphones during the school day can reduce anxiety and social pressure, especially for girls.

• In Norway’s national study, anxiety and depression symptoms dropped significantly in girls at smartphone-free schools. Bullying rates decreased for both genders.
• Girls from lower income backgrounds were the biggest winners, showing improved academic outcomes and increased access to academic tracks.

More focused teachers and better staff retention

Smartphone-free policies don’t just help students – they help teachers too.

• Teachers in smartphone-free schools report fewer classroom disruptions and higher job satisfaction.
• Reduced stress and stronger classroom dynamics have led to better teacher retention in schools that have implemented effective bans.

Safer school environments

Removing smartphones also helps safeguard students.

• A Policy Exchange report shows that schools with strong smartphone bans report fewer issues with covert filming, cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.
• Less phone use means fewer safeguarding incidents for school staff to manage – and more time spent focused on learning.

Overall wellbeing

Leading global and national bodies are also calling for schools to act – because the broader evidence on wellbeing is becoming impossible to ignore.

• A UNESCO report released in 2023 recommended banning smartphones in schools to reduce disruption, improve learning, and protect children from cyberbullying and mental health issues.
• In May 2024, an Education Select Committee report called for a statutory ban if the current voluntary guidance doesn’t go far enough, saying it’s clear that a ban “can have a positive impact on the mental health and educational outcomes of children.”
  

The evidence is in

Whether it's academic outcomes, mental health or staff morale, schools that go smartphone-free consistently report positive change. The research backs this up: real benefits come from proper, bell-to-bell smartphone bans.

The shift can feel bold, but schools that have made the change say it’s one of the most transformative decisions they’ve made. And the evidence shows it’s worth it.