Marietta schools say phone ban boosts learning, cuts stress and bullying

Two Marietta City Schools have reported a total transformation after banning cell phone use. The schools say teachers are less stressed, students learn better and they have had fewer instances of bullying this school year.

Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and Marietta Middle School started a program last year requiring students to place their phones in magnetic locking pouches during the school day. The devices are only unlocked during emergencies, according to CBS News. 

Marietta City Schools is working with Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to research the impact of reduced screen time on students.

“It brings aspects that we’re going to need in everyday life into school life. Like, it’s important to be able to talk to a person and make them feel like they’re the only one in the room. And with a phone, you’re not going to be able to do that if you’re looking on Instagram while talking to a person,” said Mary Paxton, an eighth grader.

Georgia studies teacher Linda Skaggs told CBS News that her class’s test scores increased nearly 20 points on average over the past year.

“The difference has truly been life-changing,” she said. “They’re arguing over, you know, a loyalist and a patriot, like it’s happening today, where that didn’t happen two years ago. Two years ago, they were worried about who they were going to meet up with at the end of the class. So, it just – it makes my heart happy, having them be kids because this is it. This is one of the last years they get to be kids.”

Marietta City Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera told CBS News that students reported a 22% improvement in their learning ability, and teachers across the board reported feeling less stressed. Rivera said Marietta is informing legislators of their findings.

“Georgia has always been a leader, not a follower, and I encourage our legislators to be brave in their pursuit of doing right by children,” Rivera said.