A study from Kennesaw State University, in partnership with Marietta City Schools, has found that banning cell phones in classrooms may improve both student engagement and teacher well-being. The research was led by Mei-Lin Chang, a professor at the Clarice C. and Leland H. Bagwell College of Education at KSU.
The study is part of a broader collaboration involving Emory University, which focused on students’ mental health and learning, while KSU’s team examined the effects on teachers. According to Chang, “The district initially set out to improve student focus and mental health. But they quickly noticed another unexpected outcome, teachers were reporting higher satisfaction and less stress.”
Teacher burnout is an ongoing concern nationwide. Surveys conducted by RAND indicate that over half of U.S. teachers have symptoms related to depression or hopelessness, with enthusiasm for teaching declining since the pandemic. Georgia reflects these national trends with rising teacher attrition rates.
Chang noted that many teachers felt constant cell phone use was a significant challenge: “For many teachers, constant cell phone use in class was a daily frustration. Imagine walking into a classroom where every student is looking at their phone instead of paying attention. Teachers feel they can’t connect with students the way they used to, and that’s incredibly discouraging.”
The research surveyed educators at two Marietta City schools—a sixth-grade academy and a middle school. At the sixth-grade academy, all surveyed teachers agreed that the ban improved student engagement, classroom management, and peer interaction; 90% reported lower stress levels and greater job fulfillment. At the middle school level, between 80% and 92% shared similar positive responses.
“It’s rare in research to see 100 percent agreement,” said Chang. “That tells us this initiative made a real difference.”
The results have prompted wider discussions across Georgia about cell phone policies in schools. In August, Chang facilitated a session at Emory University’s Critical Issues Forum hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education where stakeholders discussed mobile device use in education settings.
This project builds upon an existing relationship between KSU’s Bagwell College of Education and Marietta City Schools through programs such as FAST Academy summer reading initiatives.
Dayton Hibbs, Director of Employee Relations for Marietta City Schools stated: “When making policy decisions, it’s essential that we measure impact and effectiveness. Our partnership with KSU allowed us to apply high-quality research methods to evaluate whether the policy achieved its intended outcomes. The initial findings are promising, showing that informed policy decisions can strengthen learning environments and build trust among students, teachers, and families.”
