I think the guns and the trickle up economy are far worse. But this isn’t actually about mental health, but banning media that shows a non western narrative.
Smartphones have other uses, but more importantly forcing anyone to comply with this rule is gonna make them want to disobey more. It’s the responsibility of the education system to educate ofc but also streamline education, make it easier. Keep their attention. If the kids aren’t distracted by their phones while they hate their school, I guarantee you they’ll find other ways to distract themselves. I’d be maybe fine with banning certain apps. I always say smartphones aren’t addictive, they’re useful. It’s apps that are designed to be addictive.
They’re not trying to ban them though. And fines are nothing to a multibillion dollar company.