New Delhi: Support for in-class cellphone bans is continuously rising in the US, a Pew Research Centre survey findings reveals.
According to the survey conducted between 26 May to 1 June, it says 77 per cent of US adults support in-class cellphone bans for middle and high school students. Just 18 per cent say they oppose such a ban while 6 per cent are unsure.
Several states such as Hawaii, Florida have enacted cellphone ban policies in the US. In a 2025 survey by the Pew Research Centre, majorities of US adults said all-day bans would improve students grades, social skills and class behaviour.
However, the support differs by age group.
“Support for in-class and all-day cellphone bans is lower among the youngest adults. Still, support for both policies has increased among all age groups since 2024,” survey reads.
The survey says majorities of all age groups support an in-class ban.
“Roughly six-in-ten adults under 30 favour the idea—on par with last year but up from 45 per cent in 2024,” it says.
Also read: Instead of banning mobile phones, schools should see how they help students learn
Consensus among parties
There is also broad support among Democrats and Republicans for the in-class ban.
“About eight-in-ten Republicans and Republican leaners (81 per cent) favour the idea as do 74 per cent of Democrats and Democratic leaners,” according to the survey.
A majority of Republicans (55 per cent) back all-day cell phone bans for middle and high school students, compared with 44 per cent of Democrats.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) signed by President Trump in 2025 prohibits the use of cellphones during the school day for students attending K-12 schools on military bases.
For the first time more Americans now support than oppose a ban on students using cellphones during the entire school day.
“About half of U.S. adults (48 per cent) back “bell-to-bell” school cellphone bans for middle and high school students, up from 36 per cent in 2024. Still, 43 per cent oppose the idea, while 8 per cent are not sure,” says the survey.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)