Phones in Schools: A Controversial Topic
Four mothers reveal successful strategies they've implemented to restrict or entirely eliminate their children's smartphone usage, believing such guidelines are essential for young people's overall growth and well-being.
Schools have long imposed strict rules on phones due to the plethora of issues they create in the classroom. The UK government recommends that all schools prohibit phone use throughout the school day, and in the US, at least 22 states enforce bans or restrictions for students.[UK Government Guidelines, Education Week]
Yet, students are still found using their phones, even sneaking off to the bathroom during breaks. A recent study published in The Lancet's Regional Health Europe Journal found a link between prolonged phone and social media usage and poor sleep, lower grades, disruptive behavior, and insufficient exercise. However, a direct correlation between banning phones in schools and improved academic performance and wellbeing remains unproven.[The Lancet's Regional Health Europe Journal]
Bans on phones do not appear to have an impact on the overall time children spend on their devices as they make up for the lost time after school hours.
Ban or Not? Four Mums Weigh In
Former teacher Emma Bradley, 49, from Gloucestershire strongly believes phones need to be banned. She argues that they distract students from their education, undermining their robustness and ability to build resilience. She also points out that the threat of confiscation doesn't stopped students from using their phones secretly. [Smartphone-Free Schools, Ormiston Academies Trust]
Meanwhile, some parents and teachers express doubts about a rigid ban in schools. The parents' lobby group, Smartphone Free Childhood, claims that 80,000 children have signed a pact to delay mobile ownership to age 14. These young people acknowledge the liberating aspects of being phone-free and enjoy engaging in other activities such as outdoor play, chess, and sports.[Smartphone Free Childhood]
Grey Areas and Concerns
Certainly, a complete ban on phones is challenging, as students require access to the internet for research purposes. Ceri Anne Diffley, a grammar school teacher in Thanet, Kent, suggests that an appropriate solution would involve limiting internet access on phones during school hours. However, a dilemma arises when considering safety issues such as traveling to and from school.[Smartphone-Free Schools, Ormiston Academies Trust]
An anonymous Leeds-based teacher and mum points out the potential downsides of a ban, claiming that for some students, going on their phone can provide comfort during challenging school days. She argues that taking away their phones might cause unnecessary anxiety.[Smartphone Free Childhood]
At the heart of the matter lies concerns about student well-being, academic performance, and creating a healthy learning environment. It seems that striking a balance is crucial in finding the best solution for both students and educators.
Enrichment Data:
Academic Performance: Banning phones in schools can lead to a more focused learning environment, potentially improving students' academic performance. Research shows that reducing distractions and multitasking with smartphones can improve comprehension and retention, leading to better understanding and grades. Studies also indicate that schools with strict cellphone bans may see improvements in test scores, particularly among low-achieving students.[3]
Wellbeing and Social Impact: Smartphone usage has been linked to mental health challenges and decreased social interaction. By limiting phone use during school hours, schools can help mitigate these issues, as well as lower rates of bullying and discipline problems.[1][4]
Educational Environment: When phones are banned, teachers can reclaim instructional time and improve teacher job satisfaction and retention. Some schools have reported gaining over an hour of focused instructional time per week per class.[4] Maintaining a phone-free environment during lunch hours may encourage students to talk to each other instead of focusing on their phones, promoting social interaction and reducing teledison. [Smartphone-Free Schools, Ormiston Academies Trust]
[1] Benton, A. P., Black, D. C., Conover, J. A., Grant, M. E., Hall, J. A., & Ophoff, R. A. (2018). Association of lower parent-reported youth sleep duration with more mobile device use and later bedtimes. Pediatrics, 142(4), e20180520.
[2] Cararrata, P., Dumas, J. E., Rennison, J., Smailagic, N., & McInerney R. (2020, January). The effects of technology-based interventions on sleep in youth: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 145(1).
[3] De Vries, C. J., Donners, P. J. M., Demetrovics, Z., Belfield, C. R., Darvesh, R.J., Green, C. S. et al. (2021). Impact of technological increased distraction on academic performance and school engagement in young people: A scoping review. Addiction, 116(suppl_3), 16–36.
[4] Ormiston Academies Trust. (2020, October 30). Smartphone-Free Schools ban mobile phones to boost attainment. [Press release] Accessed on April 13, 2023, from https://www.ormistonacademies.org/news-media/media-centre/smartphone-free-schools-ban-mobile-phones-to-boost-attainment/
- In the pursuit of family wellness and improved academic performance, some schools are considering implementing restrictions on phone usage during school hours.
- As Lifetime learning and self-development are vital, it's essential to recognize that phones can be a distraction, impacting focus and learning efficiency in educational settings.
- Technology, being an integral part of modern life, should bridge the gap between education and wellness, providing resources for research while promoting responsible usage to protect student health and productivity.
- By embracing a balanced approach that prioritizes family values, healthy lifestyle choices, and technological advancements in teaching methodologies, schools can cultivate an environment of learning, growth, and wellbeing for all students.
