Banning phones from schools: Is it possible?

Ben Lovejoy from 9To5Mac:

More schools are banning students from using smartphones in classes, with calls for a federal ban rather than the current mix of state laws. Apple’s home state of California is expected to be the next state to introduce a ban.

Orlando has so far taken the toughest line, banning smartphone use during the entire day, and blocking access to social media networks on the school wifi … 

Worldwide, around one in four countries has implemented bans or restrictions on the use of smartphones in schools. A 9to5Mac poll conducted a year ago found strong support for the same happening in the US, with 73% in favor and only 21% opposed.

The three arguments made for such bans are:

1. Improves learning outcomes

2. Reduces classroom disruption

3. Protects children from cyberbullying

Within the US, four states have already implemented bans, or are in the process of doing so: Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, and South Carolina.

A federal ban would be the best option since it would be one blanket law rather than a hodgepodge of different laws. Realistically though, we will probably see a few case studies of success in a few schools across the nation. 

It will be a slow process, but implementation is the real challenge. 

Continuing further:

A survey conducted by the National Parents Union revealed that 70% are in favor of a ban, though the majority think this should be restricted to class times, with students allowed to use phones at lunchtime and during official breaks.

Giving them access during lunch hours doesn’t solve the issue because that is supposed to be a time for ACTUAL socializing with one another, but it will end up being a bunch of people on their phones trying to get the latest FOMO itch scratched. Maybe not through social media, but through games, texting, and the list goes on. 

Another question, will a simple VPN app remove these protections from getting social media access on school wifi?