As debates around student cellphone use heat up ahead of the school year, a new Pew Research Center survey shows growing public support for banning phones in classrooms—and even throughout the school day.
The June survey found that 74% of U.S. adults now favor banning cellphone use during class for middle and high school students, up from 68% last fall. Support for stricter, all-day bans also rose, climbing from 36% to 44%.
Still, nearly half of Americans—46%—oppose all-day restrictions, while 10% remain unsure. But on classroom use, majorities across all age, political, and racial groups now support some level of restriction.
Age plays a notable role in support levels. While just 45% of adults under 30 backed in-class bans last year, that number has jumped to 57%. Support is strongest among those 50 and older, at 83%. When it comes to all-day bans, younger adults remain less supportive: only 26% of those under 30 believe such bans improve student safety, compared to 42% of older adults.
Race and ethnicity also factor into attitudes. White (79%) and Asian (78%) adults are more likely than Hispanic (65%) and Black (59%) adults to support in-class cellphone bans. Support for all-day restrictions follows a similar pattern.
Across party lines, both Democrats and Republicans back classroom bans, though Republicans show stronger support—78% compared to 71%. For all-day bans, the gap widens: 50% of Republicans approve, versus 39% of Democrats.
The public also believes these bans could help students. Majorities say all-day cellphone bans would improve classroom behavior, grades, and social skills. Only 37% say such bans would improve physical safety, with 39% saying they would have no effect and 23% believing they could make things worse.
Concerns remain about government involvement. While 36% of Americans worry state and local governments won’t go far enough in regulating school cellphone use, 29% fear overreach. Younger adults and Black adults are most likely to worry that regulations might go too far.
Pew’s findings come as school boards and lawmakers nationwide weigh new rules on student phone use—decisions increasingly shaped by public opinion.
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