Health economics analysis of restrictive school smartphone policies in secondary schools in England (SMART Schools).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many countries have introduced restrictive smartphone policies in schools, aiming to improve adolescent health and educational outcomes. However, whether these policies represent value for money to schools remains unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the costs and quality of life and mental well-being outcomes associated with restrictive and permissive phone policies in secondary schools in England, and conduct an economic evaluation to determine whether restrictive phone policies are cost effective for schools.

Methods

A cost-utility analysis was conducted as part of a cross-sectional study on school smartphone policies in England (SMART Schools), comparing schools with restrictive (recreational phone use not permitted) and permissive (

SUBMITTER: Perry SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12911762 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature