Like millions of families across the country, my household is loud, busy and plugged in. As a mom of five boys, I understand how much our kids rely on their phones. We use cell phones not just for fun ...

CANTON − Private and parochial schools in Ohio are exempt from a new state law banning cell-phone usage in school. Most local entities, though, say they will maintain their prohibition policies.

Teachers are keen to get students’ cellphones out of their classes. Their own phones? Not so much. Cellphones have become an essential tool for teachers to get basic administrative tasks done.

States are banning cellphones in schools, but do these policies actually work to improve student behavior and achievement? A pair of research projects led by noted academic scholars provide some ...