Nearly one-quarter of countries across the globe have laws or policies that ban or restrict student cellphone use in schools, writes The Learning Network for The New York Times. 

Reactions toward the no-phone rules fall on both sides of the spectrum.

Proponents agree that restricting phone access reduces student distractions and bullying, while critics argue that bans could hinder self-direction and critical thinking. 

The students — who are more directly impacted by the rules — have had similar reactions.

Some say that they want phone access during the school day to contact their parents or use for their schoolwork, while others say they are in full support of the no-phone use. 

Ginny, a student at Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration in Philadelphia, falls toward the middle of the spectrum.

“For me, the best policy for students is for teachers to take phones during classes and instructional time and give them back after class,” she said. 

To Ginny, it’s important to set boundaries. However, an outright ban would go too far.

“During free periods and lunch, I think it is important for students to have time to be there on their phones because it provides a time to relax and enjoy something not school-related,” she added.

Read more about how students feel about restricted cellphone use in schools at The New York Times. 

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