Prohibiting the Use of Cell Phones in Classrooms

WHEREAS The NAACP is committed to educational equity and eliminating barriers to student success; and 

WHEREAS Research shows that cell phone use in classrooms negatively impacts student performance, with a study published in Education Psychology finding that students without mobile phones during lectures scored significantly higher on tests; and 

WHEREAS A London School of Economics study found banning mobile phones in schools improved test scores by 6.4%, with the greatest benefit to disadvantaged students; and 

WHEREAS, The Pew Research Center reports that 59% of U.S. teens feel distracted by their phones, reducing focus and engagement in class; and

WHEREAS, Excessive social media use is linked to declining mental health, with the U.S. Surgeon General 's Advisory warning that prolonged exposure increases risks of anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance; and 

WHEREAS, The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that 15% of high school students experience cyberbullying, much of which occurs via smartphones, contributing to emotional distress and safety concerns in schools. 

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls on schools to develop and administer equitable policies around the use of cell phones at schools outside of instructional time that do not include the use of suspension as discipline for violation of said policies. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP urges school districts to provide alternative digital learning resources, particularly for students in underserved communities.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls on policymakers, educators, and school administrators to implement clear guidelines that prioritize student learning and well-being by minimizing mobile phone distractions in the classroom and apply them equitably.