Mission Viejo, CA – The Association of American Educators (AAE), a national professional association serving educators in all fifty states, today releases survey results revealing overwhelming support by educators for restricting student access to cell phones during the school day, with 70% of survey respondents supporting a ban on cell phone use during the entire school day, and another 26% supporting a ban on cell phone use only during class time (but permitting students to use them during non-instructional time). Less than 2% of respondents supported policies permitting unfettered cell phone use.

Furthermore, 70% of respondents ranked cell phones in schools as one of the top five concerns educators face for the school year. From a list of common concerns, cell phone use ranked second behind only student achievement as the greatest concern. Other top concerns selected by respondents include educator burnout and the impact of teacher shortages, both of which ranked well above gun violence and grade inflation.

“Educators and parents recognize the vital importance of a healthy learning environment free from unnecessary distractions,” said AAE Executive Director Colin Sharkey. “Locally developed policies that greatly restrict cell phone use throughout the school day appear to be broadly popular among educators, including those with school-aged children.”

According to educators, by far the most important reason (53%) to ban cell phones during the school day is that they are a distraction from learning. The second highest reason cited by 26% of the respondents is that cell phones, especially social media, negatively affect a student’s mental and/or emotional health.

Educators were asked what cell phone usage policy, if any, is already in place in their school. 80% of respondents reported a cell phone restriction is already in place. Of educators at schools with restrictions, 45% reported their school bans cell phones only during class time, and 52% ban cell phones during the entire school day. For a majority of respondents reporting active cell phone restrictions at their school, the policies have been in place for a year or less. Of the 18% of respondents who said their school had no stated cell phone restriction policy, 93% still restrict cell phones in their class.

Although statewide policies do not appear to be unwelcome by educators, survey respondents confirm they prefer districts (46%), schools (25%), or classroom educators (13%) set the policy with input of those impacted. Several states have recently passed statewide restrictions and the number of classrooms that fell under a district or state ban continues to increase.

Educators who are parents of school-aged children are less supportive of cell phone bans enforced with phone lockers or pouches (46% vs. 52% of educators without children). The survey also revealed educators who are parents of high school students are more likely to support allowing students to use cell phones during non-instructional time (31% vs. 25% of parents of middle school students, 24% of parents of elementary students, and 23% of educators without school-aged children). Newer educators (those who have fewer than six years of service) are more likely to support cell phone usage during non-instructional time: 34% compared to 25% of educators with six or more years of service.

The nation-wide survey, available to all AAE members, was conducted online September 27 – October 7, 2024. Results are not weighted and are based on 1,517 professional educator completed surveys, the vast majority of which are by classroom teachers in public district schools.

The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, nonunion, professional educator organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to educator empowerment and advocacy—promoting professionalism, collaboration, and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE is committed to a teaching profession that is student oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling. AAE serves members in all fifty states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources, and many other benefits. Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, student teachers, university professors, and supporters can learn more at joinaae.org.

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