Hawaii bans student cell phones in class to protect mental health
Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) has announced stricter rules on student cell phone and social media use in schools. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, personal devices will be banned during class time, with varying restrictions based on age. The move follows growing concerns about mental health risks linked to social media, including a recent high-profile court case in California. The state Board of Education approved the new policy on 12 February. Elementary and middle school students will face a full ban on cell phones during school hours. High school students, however, will only be restricted during instructional periods, with schools deciding rules for breaks and non-teaching times.
The DOE cited research from a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's advisory, which warned that frequent social media use can disrupt sleep, lower self-esteem, and contribute to depression in young users. Cyberbullying and exposure to predators were also highlighted as serious risks. The policy comes after a Los Angeles jury ruled in December that Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube) must pay $6 million to a woman who developed anxiety and depression from compulsive social media use as a child. The case, *K.G.M. vs. Meta and Google*, marked a rare legal victory against tech giants over mental health harms. Australia took even stricter action in December 2022 by banning social media accounts for all children under 16. Hawaii's approach focuses instead on school hours, with the DOE pledging to issue clear guidelines and support schools in enforcing the rules. Violations will result in defined consequences for students.
The new rules aim to reduce distractions and protect students' mental well-being during school. Schools will work with the DOE to implement the changes before the 2026-2027 year. The policy aligns with broader efforts to address the impact of social media on young people.
