For young Americans, the workplace is the new phoneless frontier. 'It allows us to hyper focus on the task at hand,' says employer
Schools and increasingly teen employers are drawing a hard line against phone use. The benefits for teens can be profound.
TL;DR
- Morey's Piers, a water park and amusement company, has a strict no-phone policy for employees during shifts.
- Half of teenagers spend four or more hours daily on screens, which is linked to negative mental health effects like depression and anxiety.
- Psychotherapists suggest teens need both device-free and self-regulated phone use spaces for healthy development.
- Employers cite safety, productivity, and skill-building as reasons for phone bans.
- Summer camps, like Red Arrow Camp, also implement phone bans for staff to encourage presence and skill development.
- Teens report that not having their phones allows them to process thoughts, connect more easily with people, and feel more engaged with their surroundings.
- The lack of phone access helps teens confront and manage their emotions rather than distracting themselves with screens.