I will start by summarizing the studies, then shift focus to the right way to respond to them. My ultimate argument: “when you start to feel defensive, get curious<\/em>.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Widespread social concerns about the effects of cell phones have led to a school policy solution: cell phone bans<\/strong>. This impressively large study<\/a> looks at the results of those bans. Specifically, they looked at data from more than 5000 (!) schools that used Yondr pouches to restrict cell phone access. They compared data from these schools to the same data sets from other schools that did not adopt cell phone restrictions. What did they find over the course of three years?<\/p>\n\n\n\n First<\/strong>: the bans reduced cell phone usage substantially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second<\/strong>: the bans had essentially no effect on standardized test scores. (High school scores went up very slightly, especially in math; middle school scores went down very slightly overall.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Third<\/strong>: after some difficulties with adjustment — for instance, an increase in discipline problems — both MS and HS students reported small increases in well-being. After the first year, students reported a 0.20 SD lower well-being than students in comparison schools. After the second year, they reported a 0.16 SD higher well-being than those in comparison schools. Those numbers aren’t large, but they’re not nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The study didn’t find evidence for changes in attendance, or attention, or bullying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The answer to the question “do cell phone bans work?” depends on your definition of “work.” Cell phone use went way down. Grades didn’t change much. Reports of subjective well-being increased slightly over two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A much smaller study<\/a> looked at the potential benefits of Mental Health Awareness. Specifically, 215 college students attended workshops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One week later, students who attended the ADHD workshop were likelier to diagnose themselves as having ADHD, although they didn’t report any difference in ADHD symptoms. The increase in self-diagnosis was striking: half of a standard deviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This study included a third crucial group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One week later, students in this “nocebo” group were NOT likelier to diagnose themselves with ADHD. (Technically: they could not statistically be distinguished from the control group.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Predictably, social media made a big meal of these studies. The responses I’ve seen most often:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s imagine for a moment that I’m a champion of cell phone bans, or a long-time advocate of mental health awareness initiatives. These studies clearly contradict my passionately held views. How should I respond?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 1<\/strong>: Look at the study itself<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This point might sound too obvious to make. However, I’ve been alarmed by the apparent failures to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, yes: if a study contradicts my deeply held beliefs, I should read it before forming a strong opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo Cell Phone Bans Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does Mental Health Awareness Training Help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What to Do with Bad News?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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