Study: Banning Phones In Middle Schools Had Positive Results

… banning smartphones from school could be a low-cost policy tool to improve student outcomes.

The primary takeaway from a new study following the impact of Norway middle schools’ that banned smartphones several years ago. 

What To Know: A researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health analyzed students at hundreds of middle schools and found both academic and psychological benefits – though positive results were more pronounced in girls than in boys. Without smartphones in school, girls sought less psychological help and had improved grades – with greater positive impacts seen in economically disadvantaged girls. Additionally, both boys and girls experienced decreased bullying.