RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Smartphone Bans, Student Outcomes and Mental Health
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 0224-13403R2
DO 10.3368/jhr.0224-13403R2
A1 Abrahamsson, Sara
YR 2026
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2026/03/04/jhr.0224-13403R2.abstract
AB The rapid rise in smartphone use among youth has raised concerns about its effects on well-being and learning. Using administrative and survey data with an event-study design, I show that banning smartphones in middle schools has no average effect on education or mental health but masks important gender differences. Bans reduce psychological health care use among girls, lower bullying for both genders, and improve girls’ GPAs and academic track placement, especially among those from disadvantaged backgrounds. These results suggest smartphone bans can be a low-cost policy to improve outcomes, particularly for girls.