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SLU/YouGov Poll Analysis: Put the Phones Away: Voters Support Cell Phone Bans in Schools

by Ashley Donaldson Burle, Ph.D. on 08/29/2024

08/29/2024

 SLU’s Ashley Burle, Ph.D., provides expert analysis on the latest SLU/YouGov Poll results as they pertain to cell phone policies in schools.

 Reading, writing, and arithmetic cannot compete with cell phones. . Amid growing concerns that phones impede learning, attention has also been brought to the negative impact cell phones can have on students’ well-being. Research suggests excessive screen time has a relationship with and among children and teenagers. highlighting the risks associated with social media use and the potential detriment to mental health in children.

In studying the issue worldwide, the International Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED) found . The U.S. Department of Education indicated for non-academic use during school hours, yet . The Washington Post reported

at school and . Cell phone policies in Missouri are currently determined at the district or school level and vary widely. , or required to during school hours. while

The SLU/YouGov August 2024 poll asked Missouri likely voters about their views on cell phones in high schools. Nearly three of four Missouri voters (72%) indicated support for prohibiting high school students from accessing their cell phones during regular school hours. Results across political parties found more than two-thirds of Democrats, Republicans and Independents indicated support for cell phone bans during regular school hours. Notably, only 45% of young voters — those aged 18-29 — supported cell phone bans during school hours, making them the only group without majority support. 

Approximately four of five (79%) likely voters supported prohibiting students from accessing their phones during class. Overwhelming support was also indicated based on political party. Young voters were more open to cell phone restrictions during class only with 57% indicating support. The overall results are clear — Missouri voters support policies that put cell phones away while school is in session.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you support or oppose...Prohibiting high school students from accessing their cell phones during regular school hours?': 72% Support, 15% Oppose, and 12% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 69% Support, 16% Oppose, and 15% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 82% Support, 11% Oppose, and 7% Not Sure.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you support or oppose ... Prohibiting high school students from accessing their cell phones during regular school hours?': 72% Support, 15% Oppose, and 12% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 69% Support, 16% Oppose, and 15% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 82% Support, 11% Oppose, and 7% Not Sure.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you support or oppose...Prohibiting high school students from accessing their cell phones during class?': 79% Support, 14% Oppose, and 7% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 72% Support, 20% Oppose, and 9% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 85% Support, 10% Oppose, and 5% Not Sure.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you support or oppose ... Prohibiting high school students from accessing their cell phones during class?': 79% Support, 14% Oppose, and 7% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 72% Support, 20% Oppose, and 9% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 85% Support, 10% Oppose, and 5% Not Sure.

This analysis is based on data from the August 2024 SLU/YouGov poll and reflects the opinion of the author.