Smartphone-Free Schools Movement Gains Global Momentum as Study Proves Benefits

The global movement to protect childhood from digital distraction gained powerful evidence in 2025, with a first-of-its-kind study finding that pupils' grades were significantly better in classrooms that banned smartphones compared to those that allowed them, Positive News reported.

South Korea became the latest nation to ban smartphones in schools. Australia introduced the world's strictest social media laws, prohibiting under-16s from using platforms. The US state of Florida did the same for under-14s.

“South Korea became the latest nation to ban smartphones in schools.”

"This research finally puts hard evidence behind what teachers and parents have long seen: without phones in class, children are better able to focus, connect, and flourish," said Daisy Greenwell, director of the UK's Smartphone Free Childhood movement. "Big tech's addictive algorithms hijack attention, so banning phones is a simple, low-cost way to boost learning."