Cell Phone Usage in Class Disrupts Students' Focus Prompting More States To Ban Them in Schools

Banning of Cellphones in School students classroom

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Feb 28, 12:17 am

In California, a high school teacher is frustrated as students watch Netflix on their phones during class, while in Maryland, a chemistry teacher reports students using gambling apps for bets during school hours.

Teachers Say Use of Cell Phones Divert Students' Attention

Teachers across the country observe various distractions like Snapchat, music, and online shopping, illustrating the pervasive impact of smartphones on education.

Despite documented concerns about adolescents' phone use, parents often underestimate its extent in classrooms. A growing consensus among educators and experts suggests a solution: implementing bans on phones during classes.

Although many schools have existing rules, enforcement is inconsistent. States like Utah, Florida, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Kansas have taken steps to endorse or pass legislation for cellphone bans in schools.

Senators Tom Cotton and Tim Kaine also proposed federal legislation for studying the effects of cellphone use on students' mental health and academic performance.

While 77% of U.S. schools claim to prohibit non-academic cellphone use, teachers find it challenging to enforce such policies. The Phone-Free Schools Movement recommends administrative enforcement and complete phone storage to address the issue effectively.

Critics argue that such policies may limit communication during emergencies, but proponents emphasize the positive impact on student focus and engagement.

In Utah's Delta High School, students are required to check their phones at the door, resulting in increased attentiveness and improved learning outcomes. However, the ongoing challenge includes addressing earbuds and smartwatches, which continue to contribute to distractions despite cell phone policies.

Cell Phone Usage in School, Why Should it Be Banned

The next time parents consider sending a quick, seemingly inconsequential text to their children while they're in school, they should pause and reflect.

Although receiving a simple thumbs-up emoji response may take only 10 seconds, a recent UNESCO study suggests that their child's brain requires a significant 20 minutes to refocus on the academic lesson at hand-whether it be algebra, history, or physics.

The study advocates for a ban on smartphones in schools for students of all ages, emphasizing the clear data that countries enforcing such restrictions witness enhanced academic performance and reduced instances of bullying.

This ongoing debate evokes frustration among educators who grapple with enforcing cell phone limitations, sparks concerns among some parents who fear being unable to contact their children during emergencies, and surprisingly, receives a somewhat indifferent response from students.

While students openly admit that cell phones distract them, many acknowledge that they concentrate better without these devices in the classroom.

Effects of Cell Phone Usage Among Students

Joelle Renstrom, a senior lecturer at Boston University, emphasizes the challenge of implementing consistent cell phone restrictions and highlights the importance of student buy-in. She draws parallels between cellphone addiction and second-hand smoking, emphasizing the influence of the digital environment on young individuals.

Renstrom conducted experiments with her students, revealing that cell phone restrictions positively impact focus and attention. Addressing the question of cell phone restrictions in classrooms, Renstrom acknowledges the complexities, including safety concerns and the need for a balance in students' lives.

While recognizing the need for buy-in from students, she suggests framing cell phone restrictions as an experiment, evaluating its impact and considering changes.

Renstrom also calls for parents to refrain from calling their children during the school day, emphasizing the negative impact on students' anxiety.

In response to the latest UNESCO study, Renstrom expects varied reactions, noting that similar studies have been published before. She recognizes the challenge of advising people on what is beneficial for them, especially when it comes to technology use.

Renstrom underscores the importance of focusing on children's well-being and education, urging schools and families to collaboratively address the issue and work towards intervention and restriction rather than a complete removal of phones from kids.

The study indicates that the problem is even more pronounced among university students, reflecting the diverse approaches taken to address this pervasive issue.