To Ban or Not to Ban? Cellphones in the Classroom

Walk into almost any classroom today, and you’ll find the same quiet battle playing out: a teacher mid-lesson, a student sneaking a glance into their lap, the faint glow of cellphones. Phones have become part of the school day’s background noise — sometimes as tools for learning, but just as often as distractions.

Why This Conversation Matters Now

The To Ban or Not to Ban? Tackling Cellphones in Classrooms webinar, led by Merve Lapus, Vice President of Education Outreach & Engagement at Common Sense Media, doesn’t frame the issue as a hard yes-or-no. Instead, it offers a more hopeful path:

“Phones bring the outside world into the classroom in a second. And sometimes, that world isn’t helpful to learning.”

Both the CoSN webinar and its companion podcast take that same starting point and carry it forward — showing how schools can move past the “ban versus allow” standoff and toward a culture of balance and intentionality.

A Shared Message, Two Perspectives

The webinar sets the stage with a full framework: research insights, real-world examples, and practical strategies. The podcast picks up the same themes and delivers them in a fresh, conversational way — perfect for a quick listen during a commute or between meetings.

Together, they drive home the same core truths:

• Rules without teaching don’t build lasting habits.

• Consistency matters — students notice when enforcement changes from room to room.

• Digital citizenship is essential, not optional, for preparing students for the real world.

From Policy to Practice

One of the most important points in both formats is that banning phones alone isn’t enough. Without guidance, students might avoid their devices in class but return to the same habits the moment they step outside.

That’s why Lapus emphasizes pairing policy with instruction — making digital well-being part of everyday teaching. It’s about giving students the tools to manage their own tech use, so they can make smart choices long after they leave the building.

The conversation offers plenty of practical starting points:

• Phone-free spaces and times — encouraging face-to-face interaction at lunch or during group work.

• Student-driven policy design — letting students help shape the rules to increase buy-in.

• Reflective activities — journaling about daily screen time or role-playing how to step away from digital drama.

• Aligned messaging — making sure staff, administrators, and parents are on the same page.

The Human Side of Digital Discipline

What makes this pairing so effective is the tone — it’s never about demonizing technology. Both the webinar and podcast acknowledge that phones can be powerful tools for learning, collaboration, and creativity. The challenge is helping students learn when and how to use them.

As Lapus puts it:

“This isn’t about banning tech. It’s about building intentionality.”

When students understand the why behind the rules — and have the skills to choose focus over distraction — they’re not just compliant, they’re prepared for whatever comes next.

Why You Should Watch and Listen

If your school is stuck in the ban debate, these two resources can help you move forward. The webinar gives you the in-depth blueprint; the podcast keeps those ideas fresh and shareable.

Watch the CoSN webinar to see the framework in action, then listen to the podcast for an easy way to bring the conversation into your next staff meeting or parent forum. Together, they offer a clear, inspiring vision for how schools can create not just phone rules, but digital citizens.

CoSN YouTube channel – To Ban or Not to Ban: Tackling Cellphones in Classrooms

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