Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens 235: No Phones at School. How Do I Help My Kid Cope?
Sep 2, 2025
A school’s phone ban can spark intense reactions from teens, but it might actually promote mental health and better focus. Discover how these restrictions can enhance coping skills and resilience. The conversation dives into practical strategies for parents to discuss these changes with their kids, paving the way for deeper family connections. Surprisingly, students adapt quickly to no-phone policies, leading to healthier social interactions. Learn to navigate the digital landscape and transform potential conflicts into opportunities for growth.
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Bell-To-Bell Bans Improve Focus
- Lisa Damour argues bell-to-bell phone bans in school have benefits that outweigh downsides.
- She reports real-world improvements in focus and social norms after bans.
Bans Build Coping Muscles
- Removing phones forces students to develop diverse coping skills instead of reflexively using screens.
- This builds resilience and attention muscles across the school day.
Offer Concrete Phone-Free Breaks
- Teach alternative break activities like reading or walking to replace phone-based coping.
- Encourage kids to ask for short solo breaks when they need to decompress.
