CHOA, Emory researchers to study impact of Marietta middle schools’ new phone restriction policy

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, in partnership with Emory University, is set to conduct a study assessing the impact of a new phone restriction policy in Marietta middle schools. This initiative, announced by Marietta City Schools (MCS), aims to address rising concerns regarding smartphone use among students. Researchers will examine how the policy affects students' mental health and academic performance, recognizing the growing importance of these issues in educational settings. The policy reflects a broader trend in schools striving to mitigate distractions caused by mobile devices. By investigating the effects of the restrictions, the study seeks to provide insights that could inform future educational practices and policies.

As the digital landscape evolves, understanding its implications for student well-being becomes increasingly critical. The results of this research could potentially influence similar policies in other districts. Overall, this study underscores the importance of balancing technology use with students' developmental needs.