A new study conducted in Norway has revealed that the ban on cell phones in middle schools has had significant positive impacts on girls, particularly those from low-income families. The research, conducted by Norwegian researcher Sara Abrahamsson at the Department of Public Health, found that girls’ visits to psychologists and general practitioners for psychological symptoms or illness decreased significantly after the ban was introduced.
The ban on cell phones in Norwegian middle schools has been implemented at the discretion of individual schools, rather than through a national mandate. Abrahamsson’s research found that schools with a ban in place for at least two years saw improvements in girls’ overall grades and math results. The ban also led to an increase in the likelihood of girls applying to high school.
The study showed that girls, who use mobile phones more than boys, benefit more from the ban. Over 70 percent of middle school-age girls in Norway report using their phones for more than two hours a day, compared to 54 percent of boys. The socio-economic differences in the results indicate that the smartphone ban is particularly beneficial for children from low-income families.
Overall, the ban on cell phones in Norwegian middle schools has had positive impacts on girls’ mental health, academic performance, and enrollment in higher education. It has also been effective in reducing school bullying, highlighting the benefits of limiting smartphone use in educational settings.