How much time do US high schoolers spend on phones during school?

US high school students spend an average of 1.16 hours per day on their smartphones during school hours.

Why are social media apps addictive for teenagers?

Social media apps are designed with features that create positive feedback loops, releasing dopamine and keeping users engaged, which can lead to addictive behavior.

What is being done about smartphone use in US schools?

Thirty-five states and Washington D.C. have phone ban policies, and legislative proposals aim to reduce distractions, though enforcement and consideration are ongoing.

Home / Education / US Schools Grapple With Student Smartphone Addiction

US Schools Grapple With Student Smartphone Addiction

6 Jan

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Summary

US high schoolers spend 1.16 hours daily on phones during school.
Social media apps are designed to be addictive, researchers state.
Many states enforce phone bans, but enforcement is poor.

US Schools Grapple With Student Smartphone Addiction

Research from the University of Washington School of Medicine indicates that US high school students spend over an hour each school day using their smartphones. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, tracked 640 teens and found an average daily usage of 1.16 hours, predominantly on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Older teens from lower-income households exhibited higher usage rates.

Experts emphasize that the addictive design of these apps can hinder students' engagement in class and the development of essential social skills. While 35 states and Washington D.C. have implemented phone ban policies, their enforcement is frequently cited as inadequate. This issue arises as American education confronts declining academic scores, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic and the pervasive influence of quick-access digital entertainment.