Breaking the Cycle: How Banning Cell Phones in Middle Schools Can Improve Mental Health and Grades Among Low-Income Girls

The use of cell phones among young people has been a topic of concern for many researchers, who have warned about the negative effects that excessive use can have on mental health and academic outcomes. According to Norwegian researcher Sara Abrahamsson from the Department of Public Health, a study conducted in Norway has found that girls from low-income families benefit the most from a ban on cell phones in middle schools.

The ban resulted in reduced mental health symptoms and improved grades for girls in Norway. Additionally, girls attended high school more regularly and enrollment in upper secondary school increased, particularly among girls from low-income and poorly educated families. The study also found that the ban on smartphones in schools led to a reduction in instances of bullying, benefiting both girls and boys.

While there is no national ban on cell phones in schools in Norway, individual schools have implemented their own policies regarding cellphone use. Abrahamsson’s research looked at the effects of these bans on health, grades, applications to high school and vocational school, and instances of bullying. The study 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. She also highlighted the socioeconomic impact of excessive cellphone use among low-income families. The study found that simply silencing cell phones during school hours did not have the same positive effects as banning them entirely.

Overall, the research suggests that regulating smartphone use among young people is crucial for promoting their overall well-being and academic success. It underscores the importance of implementing policies that limit excessive cellphone use among children and young people to prevent negative impacts on their mental health and academic outcomes.