I have mixed feelings. On one hand, how the hell are you supposed to get students to pay attention with a phone constantly in hand. On the other, technology is integral to every day life now, and we have to learn to use it how it would be used.
Children do not equally understand the value of education and paying attention in class in this age range due to differences in parental influences that are linked to household income and parental education. I think such a policy would prevent or delay children at risk of falling behind in school from doing so, with the potential to reduce inequality in educational outcomes same-year and longer-term. In addition, we have legal ages to drink, to drive, etc. - because we know regions for judgement and decision-making don’t mature until the 20s. I don’t think it’s controversial to say phones and modern social media carry a risk of addiction and/or harmful efffects. I support this protectionism