How does a Smartphone Affect a Student’s Performance

Today, students focus on their smartphone rather than reading books. There are some negative effects that can make students lose their concentration in their studies and give them sleepless night which causes stress.

Study shows that mobile phones may distract users in doing the task given to them. An average person can regain his or her focus in 25 minutes, as reported by The Guardian.

Smartphone can also affect our way of interacting with others. A group of researchers asked some strangers to have some conversation with other strangers for 10 minutes, most of them had their mobile phones in their hand; some used notebook instead. Researchers found that those who had their mobile phones with them had less interaction with their partner than those who don't.

It can also increase the fear of missing out (Fomo), a characteristic that makes one person be paranoid of being left alone and giving them the worries that they had more fun than them. It increases their anxiety, procrastination, stress and more likely checks their phones instead of focusing on their task.

On the other hand, smartphones also have some positive effects on students. Peters High School in Pennsylvania invited some students to bring their smartphones to a particular class. Fourteen teachers allowed their students to bring their phones one day a week when the program started. Now all students in their school can bring their smartphones, according to Deseret News.

Some parents are worrying about their kids wasting time in their class, but the benefit of giving them permission to bring their devices can also help them use the school's internet to access some subject and research online. Bethel Park's policy requires the student to access to school's wireless network, giving them the chance to browse subjects.

A recent study from North Carolina allowed students to use their smartphones in school. Qualcomm's Wireless Reach Initiative provided smartphones to low-income students. After a year, the student's test scores increased to 30 percent. The program is now extended to eighth through 12th grades in North Carolina, Virginia and Ohio.