Do School Cell Phone Policies Actually Work? Principal Shares Results

The kids themselves are saying it: "Thank you for putting in a cell phone policy." In this revealing episode of Mindshift, hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson sit down with Papillion La Vista High School Principal Jason Ryan to explore the surprising reality of phone-free classrooms.Ryan shares how his school's three-year journey from "phones in pockets" to "phones in caddies" transformed not just grades but the entire social fabric of the school. Students are having real conversations at lunch, finishing homework, and finding relief from the constant pressure of being "always on."Whether you're a parent wondering how to support school policies at home or an educator considering similar changes, this episode offers practical strategies for setting healthy tech boundaries. The surprising truth? Kids actually want the structure we're afraid to give them.