MESA COUNTY, Colo. — Smartphones have become an inseparable part of modern life, but their impact on mental health—especially for young students—is a growing concern. With teenagers spending an average of nine hours daily on their phones, five of those on social media, schools and families are grappling with the consequences.

A Double-Edged Sword

Smartphones offer immense convenience and connectivity, but they also contribute to a range of mental health challenges. For students, constant social media exposure can foster unrealistic comparisons and distract from real-life experiences.

“I feel like a lot of times with social media, I’m not as present as I should be,” said Maddox Rewold, a student at Palisade High School. “I’m constantly looking at other people’s standards and posts, and I’m really not living my own life.”

Another student, Kolhter Howard, reflected on the toll of excessive phone use. “I wasn’t talking to my family. I was just sitting there on my phone and not really being productive with my time.”

These sentiments are echoed in classrooms across the nation, where smartphones are often linked to distractions, bullying, and even sleep disturbances.

District and State-Level Insights

Educators and policymakers are taking note. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has highlighted how smartphone distractions harm the learning environment.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill of District 51 explained, “It impacts their sleep, their attention in class, and even the amount of time they actually spend hanging out with friends and socializing.”

For parents, the struggle is equally intense. Licensed counselor Hali Nurnberg observed that social media amplifies feelings of isolation and perfectionism among caregivers, who are juggling work, family, and financial pressures.

“The phone becomes a dissociative distraction technique,” Nurnberg said. “It interferes with their ability to actually have quality time.”

Tackling the Problem: A Community Approach

Recognizing the urgent need for change, District 51 partnered with the Western Colorado Community Foundation and the Attorney General’s office to roll out a new smartphone policy in Fall 2024.

Under the campaign slogan “More Social, Less Media,” the initiative aims to limit phone use in schools and encourage face-to-face interactions.

• Classrooms now feature designated phone storage boxes.
• Four schools have introduced Yonder pouches that lock phones away during school hours.

These measures have been met with positive feedback. Students like Howard noted a noticeable shift: “People now are starting to use their phones a lot less. They’re trying to step back and talk to people more often without social media.”

Balancing Restrictions and Resources

While many students appreciate the reduced distractions, some miss the practical benefits of smartphones.

“It’s definitely a resource inside the classroom,” Rewold said. “When there’s not enough calculators or when research tools aren’t accessible, your phone is great for that.”

Nonetheless, the reduced phone usage in schools appears to have a ripple effect. Students like Rewold report using their phones less outside of school as well, focusing on communication rather than entertainment.

Building Long-Term Resilience

The district isn’t stopping at policies; they aim to instill lifelong habits. “We want to make sure we’re also educating kids along the way,” Hill said. “When they’re adults, they need to be responsible with these devices.”

State leaders hope District 51’s efforts will inspire similar initiatives elsewhere. “They’re working on a playbook here,” Weiser said. “I want to make sure other school districts can follow suit.”

Nurnberg emphasized the broader implications: “The more we can build strong bonds in our community, the healthier we’ll be as individuals, families, and a society.”

As smartphone policies evolve, the balance between leveraging technology and safeguarding mental health remains a priority for schools and communities alike.