**Study Shows Impact of Cellphone Ban in Florida Schools** A recent study indicates that a cellphone ban in a Florida school district led to initial disciplinary challenges but ultimately resulted in improved academic performance. The research, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, highlights a significant rise in test scores during the second year of the ban. Initially, when the ban was enforced, the district experienced a spike in disciplinary incidents. Researchers noted that suspension rates more than doubled in the month following the start of strict enforcement compared to the previous month. This increase was also 25 percent higher than the same month in the school year before the ban. "Suspension rates persisted at elevated levels throughout the school year but returned to pre-ban levels in the second year," the researchers stated. They observed that student test scores improved by approximately 2-3 percentiles in the second year compared to the year before the ban. The study also reported a decline in unexcused absences, which may have contributed to the enhanced academic performance. The effects of the ban were more pronounced among middle and high school students, who were more likely to use cellphones during school hours. In contrast, the impact was less noticeable in elementary schools, where fewer students owned devices. The findings suggest that while cellphone bans can lead to short-term disruptions, they may ultimately create a more focused and academically productive environment. The researchers believe these insights could assist school districts in planning for enforcement and minimizing disruptions when implementing similar restrictions. However, the authors cautioned that the study focused on a single district, which may limit the applicability of the results to other areas. They emphasized that the findings indicate correlation rather than direct causation. This study arrives at a time when many states and school systems are considering or implementing cellphone restrictions in classrooms. Concerns about the impact of screens on students' attention, mental health, and social development have prompted these actions. For instance, New York City recently expanded its cellphone ban to include smartwatches, joining numerous districts across the U.S. that have adopted similar measures. An analysis revealed that 20 states and territories now prohibit phones and tablets during school hours, with exceptions for students with disabilities. Meanwhile, 17 states have not enacted statewide restrictions, and 16 others allow local districts to determine their own policies. As discussions continue regarding technology's role in education, the Florida study provides valuable insights into the potential outcomes of implementing cellphone bans, from initial enforcement challenges to eventual academic improvements as students adjust to fewer distractions.