Cell Phone Ban in Middle Schools: Boosting Girls’ Mental Health and Grades

Norwegian researcher Sara Abrahamsson from the Department of Public Health has conducted a study on the effects of cell phone bans in middle schools on girls’ mental health and grades. The results of the study support claims that smartphones have had a negative impact on the mental health of young people globally. The research found significant improvements in girls’ mental health, grades, and likelihood of applying to high school when cell phone bans were in place at their schools.

Abrahamsson attributed the gender difference in the effects of the ban to the fact that girls use mobile phones more frequently than boys. The study also found that simply silencing cell phones during school hours did not have the same positive effects as banning them entirely. Girls from low-income families were found to benefit more from the ban, highlighting the socioeconomic impact of excessive cellphone use.

While there is no national ban on cell phones in schools in Norway, individual schools have been able to implement their own policies regarding cellphone use. The study looked at the effects of these bans on health, grades, applications to high school and vocational school, and instances of bullying.

The ban on smartphones in schools has led to a reduction in school bullying, benefiting both girls and boys. Additionally, enrollment in upper secondary school increased, particularly among girls from low-income and poorly educated families. School grades improved significantly when cell phone bans were in place at their schools.

Overall, the research suggests that regulating smartphone use among young people is crucial for promoting their overall well-being and academic success. While individual schools may choose to implement their own policies regarding cellphone use, further research is needed to determine if a national ban on cell phones would have even greater positive effects on students’ mental health and academic outcomes.