Global report highlights rising bans due to classroom distraction, cyberbullying, and impact of social media on children
More than half of countries have now banned mobile phones in schools, according to UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring team. The move comes as concerns grow over declining attention in classrooms, rising cyberbullying, and the impact of social media on children. The report shows a sharp increase in bans between 2023 and 2026, reflecting a global shift toward stricter control of device use in education systems.
Sharp Rise in Global Phone Bans in Schools
UNESCO reported that 114 education systems have implemented national bans on mobile phones in schools. This represents about 58 percent of countries worldwide. In June 2023, only 24 percent of countries had such bans. The number increased to 40 percent by early 2025 and has now risen further.
This rapid growth shows that governments are taking action to address the negative effects of excessive phone use among students.
Why Governments Are Restricting Phone Use
Authorities are focusing on issues like reduced classroom attention and increased cyberbullying. Teachers report that students struggle to focus when phones are present. Online harassment among students has also increased due to easy access to social media during school hours.
Officials say these concerns are driving stricter policies across education systems worldwide.
Social Media Impact on Teen Mental Health
The report highlights serious mental health concerns linked to social media use. Girls are twice as likely as boys to suffer from eating disorders worsened by online content.
Research from Facebook found that 32 percent of teenage girls felt worse about their body image after using Instagram. The report also noted that TikTok’s algorithm pushes body-related content to teenagers every 39 seconds and promotes eating disorder content every eight minutes.
Different Approaches Across Countries
Not all countries have adopted full bans. Some governments require schools to create their own policies to limit phone use. Countries like Colombia, Estonia, Indonesia, and the Philippines follow this approach.
In many cases, phones are allowed only for educational purposes or for students with specific needs. Some schools require students to switch off devices and store them during class hours.
Policy Changes at National and Local Levels
Several countries have introduced bans since late 2025, including Bolivia, Croatia, Georgia, and Malta. France already has one of the earliest and most well-known bans and is now considering stricter rules.
In countries with decentralized systems, such as the United States, policies often start at local levels. Around 39 US states have introduced rules or bans on phone use in classrooms.
Experts say policy changes often begin locally before expanding nationwide.
Growing Focus on Emotional Well-Being
The report emphasizes that emotional well-being is key to academic success. Increased social media use at age 10 is linked to higher emotional difficulties later, especially among girls.
Some countries are now considering laws to restrict social media access for children. Discussions are ongoing in countries like Australia, Portugal, and Spain.
Key Highlights
- 114 education systems have banned phones in schools globally
- 58 percent of countries now enforce national-level restrictions
- Phone bans increased sharply from 24 percent in 2023
- Social media linked to body image issues among teenage girls
- TikTok pushes sensitive content to teens at frequent intervals
- Many countries allow limited use for educational purposes
FAQs
About 58 percent of countries, covering 114 education systems, have implemented bans.
The main reasons include reduced classroom attention, cyberbullying, and mental health concerns.
No. Some countries allow schools to set their own rules instead of a full national ban.
Studies show it can impact mental health, especially body image issues among teenage girls.
Yes. Several countries are considering stricter laws on phone and social media use for children.
Quick Recap
Global education systems are increasingly restricting phone use in schools to improve focus, safety, and student well-being.
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