Promote Focused Classrooms

In 2025, The Policy Project created a law that limits distracting phone use during class to improve student focus and learning.

See the impact

The Problem

Smartphones are everywhere—including the classroom. And the cost is staggering.

  • 97% of students with phones use them during school hours

  • The average teen receives 237 notifications per day

  • When students have their phone in class, they lose focus within 10-15 minutes

  • 72% of U.S. high school teachers say phones are a major distraction

  • Reports of loneliness among students have doubled since 2012—tracking closely with the rise of smartphones.

“It’s hard to focus when my phone is buzzing in my pocket, and I end up chatting with friends instead of paying attention to my teacher. Phones have…weakened communication skills and made face-to-face interaction harder. It’s easy to feel unimportant when someone stares at a screen instead of engaging with you.” — Junior at Logan High School

The Solution

During the 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 178: Devices in Public Schools flipped the existing standard by limiting smartphones, smartwatches, and emerging technology in classrooms—while allowing Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to adjust policies for local needs.

SB178 ensures:

  • Students have access to devices in emergencies

  • Exceptions exist for students with health or educational considerations

  • Funding through a public-private partnership of the Utah Legislature and private donors to help districts implement these policies

The Impact

Proven benefits of limiting phone use in schools:

Test scores increased up to 14% among the lowest-achieving students.

Bullying incidents dropped 43% among boys and 46%
among girls.

Phone-enabled sexting, grooming, and cyberbullying decreased.

Students scored a full letter grade and a half higher on multiple-choice tests.

Psychological-related visits significantly declined, with nearly 60% fewer specialist consultations among girls.

Real Stories. Real Impact.

  • Teacher at Skyridge High School

    “I teach at Skyridge High School and implemented ‘phone jail’ in my classroom this year. I already see a huge difference in my students’ engagement and their understanding of concepts. I spent the first day of school explaining the why behind my decision, and my kids are all on board!”

  • Student at Skyline High School

    “Since we don’t have our phones in class, it's easier to make friends. A bunch of the kids that I've sat next to in class I haven't talked to because we've been so preoccupied with our phones, but now we're able to sit down and talk to each other or ask for help. It’s also easier to pay attention and get work done.”

  • Principal at Delta High School

    “Students are more attentive and engaged during class time, teachers are able to teach without competing with cell phones, and student learning has increased. Bullying and fighting have also decreased, and students now connect with each other in a more meaningful way.”

  • Student at Utah State University

    “I’ve had a phone and social media since I was 12. Now at 22, I’m seeing the consequences. My recent anxiety diagnosis has made me realize how much social media, screen time, and comparisons have fueled my stress and harmed my self-esteem. I wish this policy had existed when I was in school.”

Ongoing Support

The Policy Project continues to support the successful implementation of this law by:

  • Gathering best-practices to create sample policies for schools.

  • Creating communication resources for schools to inform staff, parents, and students.

  • Sharing physical and digital intervention tools with schools.

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