Will Gen Alpha really manage to get rid of their phones? In Italy, three out of four people support the ban on smrtphones in schools

Generation Alpha, born between 2013 and 2025, is often described as the most digital generation in history: tablets, smartphones, interactive whiteboards, metaverses. Everything seems made for them because they were born at the peak of the digital revolution. Yet, according to a new study by Morning Consult, things might be changing. Many schools in the United States are in fact imposing restrictions on the use of mobile devices and social media in their classrooms, signaling a reverse trend that hints at a return to analog.

The report shows that among over 2,200 parents of Generation Alpha children, more than half stated that their child’s school bans smartphones or social media. In particular, over 50% report restrictions on social networks and messaging apps, while only a minority involve tablets or laptops. It is therefore not a total rejection of technology, but rather a more selective and conscious use of it. The study also finds that three out of four parents closely monitor their children’s digital activity, a sign of control, but also of growing concern and awareness about the impact of digital life on young people.

Imagining classrooms where children write in notebooks, draw, and discuss face to face without screens is no longer just an exercise in nostalgia but an increasingly realistic possibility. The fact that many schools limit smartphones and social media therefore shows a greater focus on the relational dimension. As noted in the academic journal Education and Information Technologies published in 2024, digital learning remains an integral part of the educational path, but it must be balanced with real and social experiences.

In Italy too, the direction seems similar to that taken by American schools. With the circular issued by the Ministry of Education on June 16, 2025, the ban on the use of smartphones has been extended to all levels of education, including high schools. Many schools have already updated their regulations, prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the entire school day. The measure, designed to improve focus and performance, has been well received: according to a survey by SWG, about 76% of Italians support the ban. However, there has been criticism, especially from student associations, who call for not demonizing smartphones but rather rethinking teaching methods to make them more engaging.

The return to analog is not a step backward but an attempt to restore balance. The millennial parents of Generation Alpha, who grew up among chats and social networks, are well aware of the potential and the risks of digital life. It is therefore natural that they seek schools for their children that prioritize focus, hands-on skills, and direct relationships. That said, Generation Alpha will not grow up in a world without screens, but in one with greater awareness. Schools are charting a path toward a more balanced educational model in which technology and analog coexist without overlapping. Perhaps, in this balance, lies the key to shaping the first generation truly aware of its relationship with the screen.