McMurray Middle School is one year into its “Away for the Day” policy, which requires students to turn in their cellphones for the entirety of the school day.

The goal was simple: give teachers more time to teach, improve academic focus, reduce distractions and help students reconnect — both with each other and with learning — amid growing research on the mental-health impact of smartphones.

The shift reflects a broader national debate. Across the state and country, schools are grappling with how to balance technology use with student well-being.

While McMurray never technically allowed phones in classrooms, they were still a steady presence — buzzing in backpacks, glowing under desks or filling lunchrooms with scrolling thumbs. That changed in September 2024, when students began turnin

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