The Effect of Cellphone Policies on In-School Violence: Evidence from NYC Schools

Abstract

This study examines the effect of school-level cellphone bans on school violence and bullying in New York City public schools. Using administrative data from 2017-2024 on the use of Yondr locking cellphone pouches, we study the impact of the implementation of Yondr in schools on the number of incidents of bullying and violence using staggered difference-in-differences methods. Preliminary results indicate increases in bullying after the introduction of Yondr pouches.