Morning Brew Daily Met Gala Under Fire for Embracing Bezos & Do Phone Bans in Schools Work?
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May 5, 2026 A study on school cellphone bans that curb phone use but barely move test scores. Debates over workplace phone restrictions and privacy trade-offs. Backlash after wealthy donors are named honorary chairs at a major cultural gala. Colorado tech firms push back on a tough AI bill and consider leaving. Legacy dot‑com companies see renewed demand thanks to AI-driven data center needs. Tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz.
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Phone Bans Reduce Use But Not Scores
- Cellphone bans cut in-school phone use dramatically but produced near-zero gains in test scores, attendance, or perceived bullying.
- Researchers studied 40,000 U.S. schools (2019–2026) and found short-term suspensions rose ~16% after strict bans were introduced.
Phone Bans Linked To Higher Suspensions Initially
- Strict bans correlated with a 16% average increase in suspensions in year one, which may reflect enforcement issues or loss of students' coping tool.
- Authors suggest suspensions rose from violations or students losing phone-based conflict diffusion.
Match Phone Rules To The Task And Risks
- Use phone restrictions selectively based on context and goals rather than blanket bans.
- Businesses like ID.me use pouches for data-privacy reasons, while some firms avoid pouches to protect creative work comfort.