Many schools are asking the same question now: should smartphones be banned? Around the world, the answer is often yes. Chile passed a law in 2025 to stop phone and other smart-device use during class in elementary and middle schools. The law allows some exceptions, such as emergencies or special learning use. In February 2026, Bolivia also began a classroom phone ban as its new school year started. UNESCO says more and more school systems are making rules like these. (apnews.com)

There is a clear reason for this. Phones can break students’ focus. In PISA 2022, the OECD found that 65% of students said they were distracted by their own digital devices in at least some math lessons. Also, 59% said other students’ devices distracted them. The same report said 45% of students felt nervous or anxious if their phones were not near them. That is a strong sign that many young people are too connected to their phones. (oecd.org)

But this does not mean phones are always bad. The OECD also says digital tools can help learning when teachers use them in a clear and planned way. UNESCO gives a similar message: smartphones should be in school only when they clearly support learning. So the real question may not be “phones or no phones?” It may be “when, where, and why?” (oecd.org)

So, should schools ban smartphones? A smart answer may be this: yes, ban them during normal class time, but allow them for real study, health needs, or emergencies. Students need quiet time to think, talk face to face, and look at the teacher—not at a screen. Phones are useful tools, but in school, they should be helpers, not bosses. (apnews.com)