Nomophobia and Oregon’s school cellphone ban

A teenager sits on the floor of her school looking at her cellphone.

If you’ve heard people say “nomophonia,” they’re usually talking about nomophobia, a term that describes the fear of not having mobile phone connectivity. That feeling you have when you can’t find your phone for 30 minutes? An hour? That may be nomophobia sinking in. Nomophobia can also occur when a device has low or no battery or the phone has no signal. Symptoms include irritability, difficulty focusing without the device, and compulsively checking the phone. While not a formal diagnosis, early research suggests nomophobia is very common and may be tied to sleep disruption and anxiety, especially in young people.

Nomophobia has been in the news lately as Oregon implements a statewide device restriction for students in the state’s public schools. The rule bans cellphone use the entire school day, including passing periods and lunch time.

The research is clear: cell phone use can create a trifecta of consequences for our young people – mental health issues, safety in school, and distraction from learning. I signed this order to stand up for the promise of every student in every corner of the state.

Governor Kotek press release

Do cellphone bans cause or worsen nomophobia?

Those in support of cellphone bans argue that all-day restrictions in a school setting remove any potential for constant access. In turn, this can lower student anxiety from “FOMO” (fear of missing out) and increase schooltime focus, without the constant dings from notifications.

Others express concerns about the stress or anxiety some students may feel without access to their devices, aka nomophobia. Sometimes, it’s the parents who experience those feelings when unable to contact their child during the school day.

Will banning phones at school improve mental health?

It’s too early to say what the impact of this new approach may be, and results from other places that have implemented bans is mixed:

A Dutch survey reported better focus and improved social climate in a large majority of high schools after implementing a ban.
The University of Birmingham reported that a cellphone ban alone is not enough “Banning smartphones at school does not by itself improve academic grades and children’s wellbeing.” Their study suggests bans need to be part of a broader strategy to address cellphone and social media use both in and out of school.

What can families do if nomophobia becomes a concern?

If kids are expressing significant anxiety about not having access to their phones, there are steps families can take at home to ease the transition. Some suggestions include:

Start with sleep. Make the bedroom a charging-free space, establish windows of time without devices, and try to establish consistent sleep routines. Poor sleep can impact anxiety.
Establish check-in times that work for your family, such as just before and just after school. Being consistent with the schedule can help ease anxiety.
Cut back on your own screen time. Modeling phone-free plans at home, such as putting phones away during family dinners, normalizes other off-and-away routines.
Know when to get help. If you notice a big change in anxiety, withdrawal from friends or activities, or increased school avoidance, talk to a professional. LifeWorks NW has specialists in anxiety and depression in children who can support your child and family.