The detrimental impact of social media on young, developing minds is well-documented, with significant consequences for their mental health, cognitive development and social interactions. Children as young as five are increasingly attached to digital devices, their attention captivated by content that often includes violence, sexually explicit material and cyberbullying. This exposure distorts their perception of reality, making them vulnerable to harmful influences and extreme ideologies. Despite the availability of parental controls, tech-savvy children frequently find ways to bypass these safeguards.

Implementing a ban on cellphones in schools is a critical measure to address these issues. At The Highlands School in Bel Air, we have taken proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our students by enforcing a cellphone ban and adopting stricter social media policies. Across Maryland and the broader United States, more schools are recognizing the need for such measures, but this is only a part of the solution.

Recent studies underscore the profound harm associated with constant connectivity and online presence. In social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s latest book, “The Anxious Generation,” he details the alarming rise in depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide among adolescents since the early 2010s. Haidt attributes this disturbing trend to the shift from a “play-based childhood” to a “phone-based childhood,” where social media dominates as the primary mode of interaction.

A U.S. surgeon general’s advisory published last year on the effects of social media on adolescents also provides critical insights that demand the attention of parents, educators and communities. Key findings from the advisory include:

Adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media are at double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety.

Social media exacerbates body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, social comparison and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescent girls.

Nearly half of adolescents aged 13-17 report that social media negatively impacts their body image.

A staggering 64% of adolescents are often or sometimes exposed to hate-based content.

Furthermore, UNESCO’s 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report advocates for a smartphone ban in schools for all ages, emphasizing the need to return to a “human-centered” education, given that digital technology does not always contribute positively to educational outcomes.

Schools must assume a proactive role in safeguarding the mental health of students. The responsibilities of educational institutions now extend beyond traditional subjects such as English, math and history. Schools must equip students with the social skills and tools necessary to engage with their peers without reliance on digital devices. Failing to do so risks fostering a generation unable to communicate and connect in healthy, constructive ways.

At The Highlands School, we have instituted a “phone home” policy, requiring students to store their cell phones at the start of the school day and retrieve them only when they leave. This policy has minimized distractions in the classroom and encouraged more meaningful engagement between students and teachers. While initial resistance from students was anticipated, the benefits have been clear: Students are more focused, their communication skills are improving, and many express relief at being shielded from distressing content. Some middle school students have reported forming deeper connections with peers, while others have chosen to abandon social media altogether.

Looking ahead, we will pilot a “parent pact,” encouraging families to draft social media contracts that support one another in establishing boundaries. This initiative aims to address the challenges parents face in setting limits on cellphone use and social media access. By involving parents, educators and counselors in ongoing education and dialogue, we are fostering a community better equipped to navigate the complexities of the online world.

Schools must continue to implement measures that protect the mental and social health of students, and parents must extend these efforts at home. Creating an environment where students can thrive without the constant presence of cellphones not only safeguards their mental health but also reinforces the importance of face-to-face interactions. At The Highlands School, we are committed to setting an example for other institutions, prioritizing the well-being and development of the next generation.

— Claudia Nachtigal, Bel Air

The writer is the head of school at The Highlands School, a K-8 institution for students with learning differences and achievement gaps.