Arizona teachers say student attention and participation have improved since a new law prohibiting cell-phones in classrooms took effect with the start of the 2025-26 school year. The statewide measure bars students from using phones during instructional time, allowing exceptions only for emergencies or medical needs. Administrators told local media they have seen fewer disruptions and greater engagement in the first weeks of term. The Grand Canyon State joins a growing list of U.S. jurisdictions that are moving instruction toward phone-free environments. South Carolina imposed a similar statewide ban in January, while California’s Phone-Free School Act—now being adopted by districts such as Los Gatos and Saratoga—encourages removal of devices from classrooms. Schools in France and parts of Belgium are also preparing to reopen without smartphones, according to local reports. Supporters point to mounting evidence that heavy device use undermines learning and well-being. An ‘Understanding America’ longitudinal study this year linked rising introversion and declining empathy among young adults to social-media exposure. In Canada, a Public Health Agency survey of 26,000 high-school students found most exceed recommended daily screen-time limits, echoing concerns raised by psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who argues that pervasive smartphone use erodes attention spans and mental health. Skeptics counter that the research remains inconclusive. Journalists and academics who dispute Haidt’s thesis warn that blanket bans could curtail communication and lead to over-policing of students. The debate is intensifying as lawmakers and school boards weigh how far to curb devices while balancing safety, parental access and students’ digital literacy.