Support among US adults for banning smartphones throughout the entire school day has exceeded opposition for the first time, according to a Pew Research Center survey. The shift matters because it strengthens public backing for increasingly common state and school policies intended to limit classroom distraction and social-media use.

The survey of 9,750 adults found 48% supported “bell-to-bell” bans, while 43% opposed them; support for bans during lessons was higher, at 77%, up from 68% in 2024. Forty-two states have enacted measures concerning mobile-phone use in schools, although younger adults were far less supportive of all-day restrictions, with only 28% backing them. Republicans were more supportive than Democrats, but both groups broadly favoured restricting phones during classes.