SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Mental health experts say now may be the perfect time for parents to talk to their kids about their cell phone habits. A new cell phone ban in public school classrooms takes effect statewide.

“You can start that conversation of, ‘Hey, I heard about this. What do you think about it?'” said Sarah Grado of NotMyKid.Org, a teen addiction nonprofit in Scottsdale. “And really listen to what they have to say.”

Grado said parents can use the opportunity to invite their kids to talk about the impact of cellphones and social media on their mood and mental health. The school ban is likely to help many teens realize their dependence on phones.

Withdrawals similar to drugs

“When we see teens get their cell phone taken away, they go through withdrawals, and they have that same so

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