Classrooms Balance Phone Bans and AI Integration Amid Growing Tech Debates

Changing Phone Policies in Schools

School policies regarding phone use are rapidly evolving. In Ontario, Canada, students are already required to keep their phones out of sight during class. Several European countries have adopted similar measures, and the discussion is gaining momentum in the U.S. as well. Lawmakers are proposing nationwide phone bans, aiming to reduce distractions, enhance student focus, and address mental health concerns. Many educators have long argued that smartphones detract from learning, with nearly half reporting decreased student engagement since 2019. Consequently, locking up phones has become a common approach in many districts.

The Role of Screens Beyond Phones

Although phones are being restricted, screens remain integral to classrooms. Laptops and tablets have replaced traditional notebooks and pens. These devices facilitate research, assignment submission, and lesson participation. However, they also introduce distractions, as open internet tabs can disrupt student focus. Teachers face the challenge of balancing the educational benefits of technology with its potential to derail lessons.

Teacher Confidence and Technology Management

A significant issue for many educators, especially first-year teachers, is confidence in managing and integrating classroom technology effectively. More than half of new teachers report feeling inadequately trained to handle these tools.

Embracing AI in Education

The rise of AI has prompted many teachers to incorporate it into their workflows for organizing lessons and providing feedback. A 2025 survey found that 62% of U.S. teachers and 60% of U.K. teachers use AI tools in education. Beyond popular tools like ChatGPT, new AI applications are designed with direct input from educators to enhance classroom management. For example, ManagedMethods’ Classroom Manager allows real-time monitoring of student technology use, flags unsafe behavior, and can pause digital access—functioning like parental controls scaled for classrooms.

David Waugh of ManagedMethods emphasizes that AI tools complement but do not replace human teachers, stressing the importance of ethical oversight and human decision-making.

AI as a Support for Teachers

Platforms such as MagicSchool use AI to alleviate teacher burnout by assisting with administrative tasks, lesson planning, and student support. MagicSchool also supports individualized education by tailoring content for students with special needs and offering behavioral management guidance. Additionally, they promote AI literacy among students, teaching them to use AI thoughtfully and safely through engaging activities like virtual field trips and interactive stories.

Preparing Students for an AI Future

There is ongoing debate about AI use among students. In the U.S., President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order promoting AI education through partnerships between schools and industry leaders. Canada is also advancing AI learning in classrooms, though concerns remain about data privacy and ethics.

Research by Common Sense Media warns against AI companionship apps for children and teens under 18 due to potential mental health impacts. As schools restrict phones to protect student well-being, unregulated AI apps continue to emerge, raising new challenges.

Finding Balance in Classroom Technology

Removing phones addresses some distractions, but laptops, apps, and AI platforms add complexity. Technology is here to stay, and the key challenge is finding ways to use it effectively without overwhelming students or educators. Collaboration among educators, parents, and policymakers is essential to develop balanced approaches where technology supports learning and students develop healthy relationships with it.