More Americans now support than oppose all-day school cellphone bans

About three-quarters of U.S. adults (77%) support in-class cellphone bans for middle and high school students. This finding marks the second consecutive year of rising support for the policy. Just 18% say they oppose such a ban, while 6% are unsure. And 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%) back “bell-to-bell” school cellphone bans for middle and high school students, up from 36% in 2024. Still, 43% oppose the idea, while 8% are not sure. This growth in support for all-day cellphone bans comes as more states have enacted such policies. In a 2025 survey by the Center, majorities of U.S. adults said all-day bans would improve students’ grades, social skills and class behavior. Far fewer said the same about students’ physical safety.