Girls from Low-Income Families Benefit Most from Norway’s Cell Phone Ban in Middle Schools

In Norway, a study has shown that girls from low-income families benefit the most from the ban on cell phones in middle schools. The results of the study support claims that excessive smartphone use among young people has had a negative impact on their mental health. According to Norwegian researcher Sara Abrahamsson, the ban has resulted in reduced mental health symptoms and improved grades for girls in Norway.

The ban also led to an increase in enrollment in upper secondary school, particularly among girls from low-income and poorly educated families. Additionally, the ban on smartphones in schools has led to a reduction in school bullying, benefiting both girls and boys.

Abrahamsson’s research looked at the effects of these bans on health, grades, applications to high school and vocational school, and instances of bullying. The study found significant improvements in girls’ mental health, grades, and likelihood of applying to high school when cell phone bans were in place at their schools.

The gender difference in the effects of the ban can be attributed to the fact that girls use mobile phones more frequently than boys. Girls from low-income families were found to benefit more from the ban, highlighting the socioeconomic impact of excessive cellphone use. The study also found that simply silencing cell phones during school hours did not have the same positive effects as banning them entirely.

Overall, the research suggests that regulating smartphone use among young people is crucial for promoting their overall well-being and academic success.