# Students Suffering From Digital Overload?

Oct 1

Written By [Rob Richman](/content/blog?author=6257123eba90120e66c59d77/index.html)

_Research continues to uncover the negative impacts of cell phone usage, particularly in schools. But help is available._

What do academic performance, mental health, and social skills have in common? They're all under siege, casualties of our very real over-reliance on smartphones.

The profound impact of smartphones cannot be understated. But what once was a revolutionary tool for communication and connection has proven to have equally profound consequences.

### **Here’s a brief recap of the latest findings:**

### **What’s Working to Reduce Digital Overload**

Citing benefits like improved focus, reduced cyberbullying, and enhanced face-to-face social interaction, the phone-free schools movement is gaining momentum.

To date, [31 states](/content/blog/phone-free-legislation/index.html) have now enacted bans or limits on phone usage for the 2025–26 school year, many with the help of Yondr’s [Phone-Free Schools Program](/content/phone-free-schools/index.html).