Smartwatch & Phone Use in School: What Parents Think in 2025
As the 2025 school year begins, more U.S. parents of elementary and middle schoolers face a dilemma: whether to give their child a smartphone or smartwatch. With schools tightening rules around device use—including growing bans on smartwatches—and parents wanting safety and connection, the debate is more heated than ever. This blog explores the latest trends, weighing the safety and wellness benefits (“pros”) versus school restrictions (“cons”).
School Phone and Watch Bans on the Rise in 2025
As of mid‑2025, 22 states plus D.C. have laws limiting cell phone use in K‑12 classrooms, up from 14 states in 2024. Many school districts now include smartwatches in those bans to reduce classroom distractions and protect kids mental health. For example, NYC will prohibit using smartwatches and tablets during school hours starting in 2025‑26 but add exceptions such as commuting, calling for after school pick-up or for students with medical needs.
- 72% of U.S. high school teachers cite cell phone distraction as a major classroom problem (Pew Research).
- Devices often cause disruptions—even when tucked away, smartwatches still buzz on wrists, tempting students to check messages (Digital Wellness Lab).
Why the crackdown on kids devices?
- Distraction and reduced focus
- Concerns over social media effects on mental health
- Student privacy and data collection risks
Schools are enforcing policies through lockable pouches, full-day bans, and staff confiscation. Some policies even impose fines for repeat violations.
Why Parents Still Favor Kid-Friendly Devices
Safety and Instant Communication
- A ParentsTogether survey found nearly half of parents support phone access on campus for emergencies and scheduling needs.
- Real-world incidents like lockdowns or shootings reinforce the need for a direct line to kids (Chron).
Kids Smart Watches Offer Better Mental Health and Parental Controls
- Kids Smartwatches like the myFirst Fone R2 have accurate GPS tracker, geofencing, video calls/SMS—with no 3rd party apps and no open internet.
- A Bridgewater State study found children with smart watches experienced less anxiety than those who used phones.
Health & Well‑Being Benefits
- A USF study (2025) found middle schoolers with smartphones showed lower depression rates and more social time with friends.
- Many smartwatches motivate healthier habits by gamifying activity, hydration, and rest reminders (EdSurge).
How Many Parents Support Kids Smart Watch Bans in 2025?
- A Harris Poll shows 64–69% of parents support bell‑to‑bell phone bans at school, while still wanting before/after school access.
- The Yondr Parent Survey (2025) finds 78% of parents feel kids are too dependent on their phones, and 77% regret their own screen habits affecting family time.
Pros and Cons of Kids’ Smartwatch Use in School
| Pros of Smartwatch or Phone Use | Cons of Device Use at School |
|---|---|
| Real-time location tracking and geofenced safe zones | Distractions in class from alerts, messages, and apps |
| Emergency calling and SOS button for instant help | Mental health concerns linked to social media use |
| Controlled communication – parent-approved contacts only, no open internet | Privacy and data risks from device tracking or misuse |
| Lower anxiety for kids and parents when staying connected | Policy confusion and enforcement challenges in schools |
| Health benefits like activity tracking, habit reminders, and independence support | Early tech dependency if not balanced with offline habits |
Did you know myFirst Fone R2 kids smartwatch offers Class Mode?
- Class Mode is activated through the myFirst Circle parental control app. Parents can set custom times during school hours or extracurricular activities where non-essential smartwatch features are disabled, helping kids stay focused.
- Even with Class Mode on, emergency functions like SOS calls and GPS tracking remain fully accessible, ensuring your child’s safety.
- Class Mode is easy to activate right from your smartphone app, giving you full control over when and how your school-going child uses their smartwatch.
- Learn more about this safe kids smartwatch with video calling and GPS tracker.
FAQs - Are Phones and Kids Smart Watches Allowed in Schools
Are schools banning smartwatches too?
Yes: Many district policies now extend bans beyond cell phones to include smartwatches and tablets (ABC News).
Why do schools ban devices?
Schools cite distraction, bullying, and mental health risks (Pew Research).
Do bans on smart watches for school-going children work?
Early feedback from districts like LAUSD shows reduced distractions and more social interaction—but enforcement and student compliance remain challenges (Laist).
