Distraction is the Default.
The Problem? Phones are taking over our students. Today’s students receive an average of 237 notifications a day, nearly 10 per hour! Some report over 4,500 in a single day. Despite school policies, phones are in constant use during class time. The result?
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Lower-quality notes
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Decreased retention
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Poorer test scores
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Disrupted attention spans
Anxiety, Isolation & Digital Overload.
66% of teens feel anxious without their smartphones.
47% of teens say they are constantly checking their phones.
Even students under 13 are using apps rated “mature” or “adult-only.”
Addicted by Design
While apps like TikTok, Discord, and others can offer educational or creative value in certain settings, they have no place in schools during instructional time. Instead of supporting learning, they’re designed to keep students engaged for hours through advanced algorithms and bite-sized dopamine hits.
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Teens average 1 hour and 52 minutes per day on TikTok alone.
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Many spend up to 9 hours daily on smartphones.
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These platforms dominate students’ attention, leaving little room for focus, retention, or in-person interaction.
What Does This Mean for Schools? Learning Loses Out.
When phones are accessible, classroom engagement drops. Studies show a direct link between digital distraction and lower academic performance. The constant digital presence interrupts deep thinking and in-person interaction—key components of learning in schools.
What Happens in Phone-Free Schools? The Benefits Are Real.
Removing phones restores attention and builds a stronger, more connected school culture. Schools that limit phone use see:
- Increased student focus
- Improved test scores
- More social interaction
- Fewer behavior issues
- Better teacher-student engagement
Read About the Benefits of Phone-Free Schools
