why should phones be banned in school essay

Why Schools Should Ban Cell Phones in the Classroom—and Why Parents Have to Help

New study shows it takes a young brain 20 minutes to refocus after using a cell phone in a classroom

Photo by skynesher/iStock

Parents, the next time you are about to send a quick trivial text message to your students while they’re at school—maybe sitting in a classroom—stop. And think about this: it might take them only 10 seconds to respond with a thumbs-up emoji, but their brain will need 20 minutes to refocus on the algebra or history or physics lesson in front of them— 20 minutes .

That was just one of the many findings in a recent report from a 14-country study by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) that prompted this headline in the Washington Post : “Schools should ban smartphones. Parents should help.” The study recommends a ban on smartphones at school for students of all ages, and says the data are unequivocal, showing that countries that enforce restrictions see improved academic performance and less bullying.

It’s a fraught debate, one that prompts frustration among educators, who say students are less focused than ever as schools struggle to enforce cell phone limitation policies, and rage from some parents, worrying about a possible shooting when they can’t get in touch, who insist they need to be able to reach their children at all times. And, perhaps surprisingly, it prompts a collective yawn from students.

In fact, students openly admit their cell phones distract them and that they focus better in school without them, says Joelle Renstrom , a senior lecturer in rhetoric at Boston University’s College of General Studies. It’s an issue she has studied for years. She even performed an experiment with her students that supports what she long suspected: Cell Phones + Classrooms = Bad Learning Environment.

BU Today spoke with Renstrom about the latest study and research.

with Joelle Renstrom

Bu today: let me get right to the point. do we as a society need to be better about restricting cell phones in classrooms it seems so obvious..

Renstrom: Of course. But it is easier said than done. It’s hard to be consistent. We will always have students with some kind of reason, or a note from someone, that gives them access to technology. And then it becomes hard to explain why some people can have it and some people can’t. But student buy-in to the idea is important.

BU Today: But is getting students to agree more important than getting schools and parents to agree? Is it naive to think that students are supposed to follow the rules that we as parents and teachers set for them?

Renstrom: I have made the case before that addiction to phones is kind of like second-hand smoking. If you’re young and people around you are using it, you are going to want it, too. Every baby is like that. They want to reach for it, it’s flashing, their parents are on it all the time. Students openly acknowledge they are addicted. Their digital lives are there. But they also know there is this lack of balance in their lives. I do think buy-in is important. But do it as an experiment. Did it work? What changes did it make? Did it make you anxious or distracted during those 50 minutes in class? I did that for years. I surveyed students for a number of semesters; how do you feel about putting your phone in a pouch? They made some predictions and said what they thought about how annoying it was. But at the end, they talked about how those predictions [played out], and whether they were better able to focus. It was very, very clear they were better able to focus. Also interestingly, not a single student left during class to get a drink or go to the bathroom. They had been 100 percent doing that just so they could use their phone.

BU Today: Should we be talking about this question, cell phones in classrooms, for all ages, middle school all the way through college? Or does age matter?

Renstrom: It’s never going to be universal. Different families, different schools. And there is, on some level, a safety issue. I do not blame parents for thinking, if there’s someone with a gun in school, I need a way to reach my kids. What if all the phones are in pouches when someone with a gun comes in? It’s crazy that we even have to consider that.

BU Today: What’s one example of something that can be changed easily?

Renstrom: Parents need to stop calling their kids during the day. Stop doing that. What you are doing is setting that kid up so that they are responding to a bot 24-7 when they shouldn’t be. If you’re a kid who gets a text from your parent in class, you are conditioned to respond and to know that [the parent] expects a response. It adds so much anxiety to people’s lives. It all just ends up in this anxiety loop. When kids are in school, leave them alone. Think about what that phone is actually meant for. When you gave them a phone, you said it’s in case of an emergency or if you need to be picked up in a different place. Make those the parameters. If it’s just to confirm, “I’m still picking you up at 3,” then no, don’t do that. Remember when we didn’t have to confirm? There is a time and place for this, for all technology.

BU Today: This latest study, how do you think people will react to it?

Renstrom: This isn’t new. How many studies have to come out to say that cured meat is terrible and is carcinogenic. People are like, “Oh, don’t tell me what to eat. Or when to be on my phone.” This gets real contentious, real fast because telling people what’s good for them is hard.

BU Today: I can understand that—but in this case we’re not telling adults to stop being on their phones. We’re saying help get your kids off their phones in classrooms, for their health and education.

Renstrom: Studies show kids’ brains, and their gray matter, are low when they are on screens. School is prime habit-forming time. You should not sit in class within view of the professor, laughing while they are talking about World War II. There is a social appropriateness that needs to be learned. Another habit that needs to be addressed is the misconception of multitasking. We are under this misconception we all can do it. And we can’t. You might think, I can listen to this lecture while my sister texts me. That is not supported by science or studies. It is literally derailing you. Your brain jumps off to another track and has to get back on. If you think you have not left that first track, you are wrong.

BU Today: So what next steps would you like to see?

Renstrom: I would like to see both schools and families be more assertive about this. But also to work together. If the parents are anti-smartphone policy, it doesn’t matter if the school is pro-policy. If there is a war between parents and schools, I am not sure much will happen. Some kind of intervention and restriction is better than just ripping it away from kids. The UNESCO study found it is actually even worse for university students. We are all coming at this problem from all different ways. Pouches or banned phones. Or nothing.

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Doug Most is a lifelong journalist and author whose career has spanned newspapers and magazines up and down the East Coast, with stops in Washington, D.C., South Carolina, New Jersey, and Boston. He was named Journalist of the Year while at The Record in Bergen County, N.J., for his coverage of a tragic story about two teens charged with killing their newborn. After a stint at Boston Magazine , he worked for more than a decade at the Boston Globe in various roles, including magazine editor and deputy managing editor/special projects. His 2014 nonfiction book, The Race Underground , tells the story of the birth of subways in America and was made into a PBS/American Experience documentary. He has a BA in political communication from George Washington University. Profile

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There are 31 comments on Why Schools Should Ban Cell Phones in the Classroom—and Why Parents Have to Help

i found this very helpful with my research

It was ok, but i will say i enjoyed learning more about why we should not have cell phones.

It was a great research, helped me a lot.

I think that this was helpful, but there is an ongoing question at my school, which is, though phones may be negative to health and knowledge and they’re a distraction what happens if there was a shooting or a fire or a dangourus weather event and you don’t have a phone to tell your parents or guardians at home if you are alright? (Reply answer if have one)

Yeah they would get an amber alert

well, the school has the technology that can help communicate that to the parents, and if that were to happen, I guess that’s why there’s always a cell phone in the classrooms those old-time ones, but I feel it would not be okay in case of a shooting since you have to go silence, and on the moment of fire or weather everything happens so fast in the moment.

Yeah, that’s exactly why they have those supplies or items in the classroom, to alert parents. Kids don’t need to use their phones for that.

In schools all teachers have cell phones. So one way or the other the messages would get out to the parents as needed. If a student gets on the cell phone to inform the parent about the activity, that’s taken place it could cause panic. School staffs are informed as to how to handle such situations.. what I have seen take place in classes are students who are texting each other either in the same room or in another classroom during the school time. Many students spend time on YouTube and not concentrating what’s going on in the classroom.

Teachers have communication with all parents and it also has amber alerts

You just give the kids watches to call there parents or guardians on.

I’m a teacher. If there’s an event like this, it could be detrimental to the emergency system if too many people are calling. Also, kids don’t have the common sense to turn their ringers off. They go off in my class, more often than they should.. If there’s a shooter in any school, parents are going to be calling their kids. Phones constantly going off could lead a shooter to specific places if they can hear them. I understand the parent’s arguments as to why they want their kids to have their phones, but that very argument could lead to their child being hurt or killed in the scenario mentioned above.

I think that this was helpful, but there is an ongoing question at my school, which is, though phones may be negative to health and knowledge and they’re a distraction what happens if there is a shooting or a fire or a dangerous weather event and you don’t have a phone to tell your parents or guardians at home if you are alright?

I am writing a paper and this is very helpful thank you.

I am writing a paper and this is very helpful but it is true what if our mom or dad have to contact us we need phones!

this helped me with my school project about whether cell phones should be banned in school. I think yes but the class is saying no. I think it’s because I was raised without a phone so I know how to survive and contact my parents without a phone. but anyway, this helped me with my essay! thank you!

I don’t think phones should be allowed in school, and this is perfect backup! Thank you Doug

great infromation for debate

Thanks, this helped a lot I’m working on an essay and this has been really helpful.by the way, some people may think, but what if i need to call my mom/dad/guardian. but the real thing is, there is a high chance that there will be a telephone near you. or if it’s something that only you want them to know,go ahead and ask your teacher if you can go to the office.

I mean it could also depend on the student, like for example let’s say that i’m a student inside the school, if I used my phone and I got off it, for me it would instant focus, but for others students they might take longer or the same time as me, it all really depends if the student is tend to be responsible with their time trying to focus so I would say that this claim is not true.

I think that is article was very good. I’m currently writing and essay and I have used this for most of my evidence so far. I personally think that cellphones should be banned from the classroom because the school will get the information that your parents need out to them so you don’t have to cause a panic because you don’t know if your parents know what is going on at your school or not. It will just be better because then we wouldn’t have as many distractions in the classrooms as we do now because kids are always getting caught on their phones and they are constantly being sent down to the office and it takes time to get the class back on track. I personally agree with Doug that cellphones should be banned in the classrooms.

It’s striking to realize that the reason some parents feel the need to advocate for phone usage in school is due to concerns about a potential school shooting. While parents may be more informed about the harmful effects of smartphones in a learning environment, they take preference for the safety of their child in a hypothetical situation. It’s a hard debate because while the safety of their children is important, the drastic effects of students needing 20 minutes to refocus is significantly impacting their ability to learn in their classes. I find it very saddening that this is what our world has come to – prioritizing safety for a school shooting over academic performance, because it is no longer so unusual for a school to experience that type of tragedy.

I liked the comment, “Addiction to phones is kind of like second-hand smoking. If you’re young and people around you are using it, you are going to want it too,” because I experienced this phenomenon in my early middle school years, with the invention of the first iPhone. All of a sudden an invention that was broadcasted on the news became an essential for the other students in my middle school class, to the point where I became one of the only students without one. Then, I finally succumbed to the pressure, and begged my parents for an iPhone as I felt extremely left out. It’s frustrating to accept that this pressure is affecting children now younger and younger by the year, with even six year old children I babysit owning their own iPhone/iPad.

I also think that with the prevalence of child phone usage significantly increases parental anxiety, particularly for those parents who are already overbearing to start. Giving parents the ability to contact their child at any given time is harmful, and it can create a dependence on either side. It’s ironic given the fact that parents push their children to focus and succeed in their classes, yet harass them all day about minuscule things that could’ve been addressed later that day. So yes, parents need to stop calling their kids during the day.

this helped me with my school project, very reliable source.

I think that this talked more about why parents should help more than why cell phones should be banned.

I think the teachers or guardians will allow you to contact someone but I think after the shooting or crisis they will contact your parents or guardian from the office or person in charge

I agree, I’m 13 and I honestly could live without a phone

i also agree but parents need to reach their kids somehow if something happens in school

I’m also 13

had to research this for an assingnment and onistlly, I love my phone and I would marry it if I could!

This is really reasonable. In my school my friends have cell phones and there is a lot of drama. I am writing a report on this.

This is really good

I’ve taught high school since 1999. Should cell phones be banned? 100% Absolutley. I don’t think twice about it.

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Why Cell Phones Should Be Allowed in Schools — 11 Reasons Based on 16 Research Studies

However, I think that cell phones can play a very beneficial role in a classroom, especially when used effectively. I’ve stretched the ‘rules’ in the past and let my students pull out their phones for various classroom lessons and activities, and I’m definitely glad I did!

If we don’t let kids use cell phones in the classroom, how will they ever learn to use them responsibly in a workplace? Every adult I know uses their phone all day every day. Let’s prepare kids for the real world. — Matthew B. Courtney, Ed.D. (@mbcourtneyedd) August 7, 2022

You can watch this video below. It contains a brief retelling of the article.

Cell Phones in School — Teachers’ Thoughts

Many teachers and parents are on the fence about whether to let students have cell phones in school . More and more teachers are beginning to see the potential learning benefits mobile phones can offer to their students and are advocating for gadget use in the classroom. In this video, Sam from New EdTech Classroom Why we should allow students to use cell phones in schools.

Below are what some teachers have shared about using mobile phones in the classroom:

”We need to embrace these changes and instead of trying to separate that reality from an outdated vision of a classroom, we need to find a way to optimize the educational experience for the connected kids of the future. We can’t disconnect them from the world between the hours of 8am – 3pm everyday. Don’t be scared. You have to leave your comfort zone and take a risk. The same thing you ask your students to do. Take a risk and see what the future may look like and then change your teaching to ensure that the technology is used as a tool and not just a distraction.” —Tim Floyd, Education Awesomeness

“I’ve also seen the value that cell phones can bring to education. Students who might not have access to computers at home can type and submit essays on their phones. Students can quickly look up some information and verify its validity. Furthermore, students can also use their cell phones to collaborate with their peers.” —Christina, The Darling English Teacher

“When students have access to technology and social media, they have access to empowerment and leadership online. As educators, we need to empower our students to use technology for good. When students are given the chance to use their cellphones in class as a learning tool, we can teach them how to positively influence and impact other people online.” —Amanda, EDTech Endeavors

“When students have access to technology and social media, they have access to empowerment and leadership online. As educators, we need to empower our students to use technology for good. When students are given the chance to use their cellphones in class as a learning tool, we can teach them how to positively influence and impact other people online.” — A.J. Juliani , the Director of Technology & Innovation for Centennial School District

Why Should Phones be Allowed in School — 11 Reasons

There is a lot of debate about whether phones should be allowed in schools. While there are some cons to letting your students use cell phones in class, I feel that the benefits of using gadgets can outweigh these cons. As long as you have solid classroom management and set clear expectations for students using their mobile phones, I think you’ll find that there are many benefits  to letting your students use them.

1. Providing an Additional Tool for Learning

Phones are already banned. The parents are worried about these bans because of the very high chance there is a school shooting and their child is unable to call for help. https://t.co/TxpJfrUgJn — Anosognosiogenesis (@pookleblinky) June 6, 2023

While detractors may argue against the distractions phones might pose academically, the security and peace of mind they offer, especially in dire situations, make a compelling case for their presence in the school environment.

3. Improved Communication

Interestingly, a study from the School of Business highlighted another crucial dimension to this trend. Beyond the teacher-student dynamic, students are proactively forming educational bonds with their peers through their phones. They often initiate and manage class-based groups on various social platforms, allowing for an organized exchange of study materials and collaborative learning, devoid of any official oversight. Such initiatives underscore the instrumental role cell phones play in modern education, fostering a holistic and communal approach to learning.

4. Organization

5. can save schools money.

In conclusion, embracing the capabilities of cell phones in the academic realm presents a win-win scenario. It offers students the convenience and immediacy of digital access while allowing educational institutions to optimize resources, reduce costs, and promote sustainability.

6. Good for the Environment

7. prepares students for the future, 8. can create digitally responsible citizens, 9. can help students when studying.

“In my classes, I let students take pictures of the digital whiteboard, too. If an assignment description or important PowerPoint slide has been up long enough and I am ready to move on, before doing so, I invite kids to snap a picture. This allows them to refer back to the slide at home if necessary.” — Chad Donohue , National Education Association

10. Accessibility and Personalized Learning

11. boosts creativity and innovation, 7 ideas how cell phones can be used effectively in the classroom, 1. scanning qr codes, 2. using educational apps, 3. collaborating on assignment, 4. completing surveys and quizzes, 5. providing feedback to others, 6. augmented reality experiences, 7. recording and editing multimedia projects, digital etiquette for students in the classroom.

Put your phone down when someone is talking to you and make eye contact with the speaker. Don’t text while you are walking. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t get distracted from someone or something important. Silence your phone when you are in class. Remove your headphones if someone is trying to talk to you. Don’t post on social media during the school day. Be a good digital citizen and avoid getting into any digital drama. Know the cell phone policy for each of your teachers, and respect it when in their classroom. Don’t make your teacher, classmates, friends, or family secondary to your phone.

Useful Resources

Final thoughts.

My principal seems to have an old-school thought process about cell phones in school and has completely banned them from being out in the classroom. I’d like to let my students use them for instructional purposes. Any tips on how to change her thinking?

That is tough. I’d start by finding some other teachers in your building that share your opinion and come up with a plan to present to your principal together. Bringing data, like what I shared in the article, about how cell phones can benefit students in class could help you make your point.

I love the artice and am using it for an assingment if you see it your name or website will be on it.

Thanks for the article it is truly an elaborate article, thanks for sharing it.

yes, this is fab

my teacher does not allow phones

my whole state banned phones in class TvT

I feel like you should be able to use your phone at passing periods and breaks and also lunch.

this is a common question people ask me I 57 year old male once allowed my kids to have phones in class but one pranked called the police so I say no

This is a nice source for my citation C: Thank you.

I am writing a speech to present to my class to persuade the teachers to allow more phone usage in class, thank you for your point of view and the information.

You’re welcome!

thanks so much! this will help a lot with a project I’m doing

I am making a debate speech this is really helpful thank you!

I was not born with this new technology, cell phone, I had to learn it. Now, I am a teacher and honestly, it is great as a tool for students to use but it’s also a deterrent. Like my wife says, “You give a mouse a cookie and they will ask you for a glass of milk”. Students seem to confuse rights with privilege. My students honestly believe that they have the right to use a phone whenever they want, this includes during a class, versus asking permission. Unfortunately, others do not use it appropriately. I have no problems with the use of cell phones, as long as it is for academic achievement, but not as a school alternative (ignore teacher and ignore daily task).

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! We completely agree about the inappropriate use of phones.

thank you! so much i don’t know what i would do without this information!

Thank you for this essay

The essay has good information but I want more. You are telling me about the technology benefits but that’s what the Chromebooks are for. So if you could give me a stronger argument I would definitely agree.

Thanks for letting us know. We will take your wishes into consideration

Students can not handle these devices!!!!

Thank you for sharing your opinion. I still believe there are many ways to get students’ attention in the classroom rather than on the phone.

I always enjoy the creative ways technology can be used in schools. The mix of video talks, blog ideas and teacher input this post are great ways to share ideas. Thanks for the modern takes on how to use phones in the classroom, it is refreshing!

My pleasure!

I NEED THIS FOR MY ESSAY. THANK YOU!

I believe that cell phones in schools should be friends not enemys

thank you so much

We need our phones for SAFETY ?

This was very cool and so many good reasons why we should be able to use our phones in class!

This was very helpful imformation

I appreciate this article it is so supportive and believes in this article thanks ✌

four big guys is crazy lol four big guys and they grab on my thighs

i agree they should allow phones in school but just when were are really stuck or bored. so that is why i think that.

Hey! Thank you! I needed this for my ELA class argumentative writing prompt, this information was very useful. Since my school has a no phone-in-class rule, I can’t even have it with me in my bag! The only time I have on it during weekdays is at home and on the bus. But anyways this information was essential for my project. Thank you! 😀

You’re welcome!?

This is so helpful for argumentative essays! Thank you!

Thay can be good use for kids that walk home from school or to school or both.

In many school districts, the students borrow laptops, so they don’t need cell phones. Teachers may use software to restrict the laptops to their selected educational websites. Cell phones have disrupted learning, so they must be banned or jammed in the classroom. However, when students aren’t distracted by cell phones, they will gradually become worse at running around, yelling, and fighting, like they did before their cell phone addictions. We need consistent discipline. Disruptive students should learn with fun programs on a computer in separate rooms, instead of infecting other students with bad attitudes. After a year of learning on a computer, they can try the classroom again. We also need online video in the classrooms, so everyone, especially parents, can see the discipline problems in schools. When white schools have strict discipline and cell phone bans, but minority schools don’t, which students will get the high-paying better jobs? This is racism.

I agree with this as a student! But unfurtently my school is very old school so they banned cellphones.

Thank you for this helped me with a essay im doing for school. 🙂

i agree so much?

thank you for the info cause i have been having trouble finding an article like that and i found one so thank you!?

I forgot to put that i’m having a debate about using cell phones in class.

Im a current high school student and honestly what I’ve seen is the exact opposite of this. first period English is just a majority of people being on their phones. Unless a teacher is very strict about phones usually nothing is done about it. Honestly my parents disallowing me to bring my phone to school is what changed my grades for the better for the rest of the school year up until now. Also, some students might argue for these points but it’s usually only used as a scapegoat to make the excuse of “Oh but this article says it’s good to use phones!” Still, I’ve seen phones do so much more negatives than positives as well as the points listed here barely ever being utilized.

Yes i think they should allow it for many reasons

Coming in from Parker Middle School so I am doing a essay on why we should be able to have phones in schools and even class rooms and I was wondering if you could have your word to support having cell phones in school.

phones are what brought you into this world be thankful

I love the way you used cell phones in the classroom. Me personally-I use mine for extracurriculars.

As a High School teacher, I pretty much dislike the use of cellphones. If used for emergency, yes that’s a legitimate argument and in such case, cell phones need to be accessible to students in case of an emergency. However that would be the only reason cellphones should be allowed in classrooms. I studied high school without a cellphone and I was able to be engaged, organized and learned by using other technologies. This article doesn’t mention the pros and cons of allowing cellphones in classrooms and does not consider if the benefits weigh more than the disadvantages.

Thank you this website is amazing hope I get an A+ for my argumentative essay. Wish Me Luck!

Thanks I will use this for my topic

As a teacher at my school, I can say the cell phones are 99% more a distraction than ever as a learning tool. All the kids on the phones during class is to play video games. and look at non educational sites so that’s why cell phones are banned in my classrooms. I would say if the kids understood accountability and are responsible, then it’s a different discussion.

i can use this for my project . Almost all my classmates try to sneak there phone in class . But they always get in trouble . They don’t need a phone becuase it is can make you fail class and other things that is a proably

Very valid points. I am using you as a source for my essay. Thank you.

Thanks this helped me with my Delve Project

Hi, my name is Eli and I am an 8th grader at Indianola Middle School in Iowa. I am doing a research project about a topic of my choice and I chose to research Should phones be allowed in class. I think you would be a great person to give me more information about this topic because you gave great points and reasons why phones should be allowed in school classrooms.

Thank you so much for this article, Love your work!!!

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Cell Phones Should Be Allowed in School: An Argumentative Perspective

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• Compare and Contrast - Regular Phones and Smart Phones  Pages: 5 (1217 words)
• Cell Phone Should Not Be Used in Classrooms Pages: 2 (580 words)

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Cell Phones in School: Pros and Cons

Khadija Bilal

Cell phones and smartphones are a big part of modern life. Many people use them every day, including kids and teens. But there’s still a debate about cell phones in school. In this guide, we’ll look at some arguments for why should phones be allowed in school, while also addressing some common concerns parents may have.

Interesting Facts and Statistics About Cell Phones in Education

How cell phones can be used effectively, what are the pros of allowing cell phones in school, what are the cons of allowing cell phones, are there any alternatives, should kids have cell phones in school.

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Before we look at some of the pros and cons of cell phones in school, let’s look at some statistics to get a clearer picture of the situation.

• 53% of children will own a smartphone by the age of 11 in the US
• That number increases to a whopping 95% in teenagers
• Surveys show that as well as passing the time, 83% of kids use their phones to learn
• Cell phones are the favored tool of communication among modern teens
• 41% of teens from lower-income households use their phones to access the internet
• Studies show that learning on mobile devices can boost productivity by over 40%
• Teens can spend over 7 hours a day looking at screens

These are just some of the many, many statistics about cell phones among teens and in the education sector. From this, we can see that mobile and cellular phone technology is a big part of life for today’s teenagers, and cell phones in school do have the power of providing super educational opportunities.

At the same time, with so many kids spending hours a day staring at their phone screens, there’s also a risk that a phone in school could be too much of a distraction. This means that authorities need to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding about banning or allowing phones.

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Many parents and teachers worry about the risks or downsides associated with using cheap phones at school. However, there are plenty of ways in which children can use these devices for educational and beneficial purposes.

Educational Apps and Games

One of the most obvious ways in which cell phones can be used effectively for education is through the many educational apps and games out there. Mobile app stores are filled with educational content for kids of all ages.

There are apps designed to help kids learn languages, for example. There are also tools and games to help with every school subject, from math to geography.

Related: The 30 Best Educational Apps for School .

Digital Learning Materials

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Giving kids access to their phones at school allows them to use an almost endless library of digital learning materials. There are countless educational documents online, from scientific research papers to exam tips and more.

This can be very beneficial in a school environment. If a child doesn’t quite understand a subject, their teacher can help them by sharing digital learning materials that explain the idea in other ways.

Videos, Podcasts, and More

Every child has their own way of learning. Some like to learn by repeating and memorizing information over and over. Others are more visual learners and want to see ideas and concepts represented with images to get a strong understanding of how they work.

A great thing about using phones and other devices is that they can access all sorts of different digital materials. There are videos about scientific processes, podcasts discussing literature, and long-form articles on mathematic principles, for example.

Cell Phone eReaders

Reading is one of the crucial skills that all children are taught during their early school years. Being able to read well is so important in later life. This skill allows children, teens, and adults to read and understand countless resources, from books to articles and encyclopedias.

A great way that phones can be used in schools is as digital eReaders. It’s easy to download an eReading app onto a phone and then read digital versions of books and documents. This also has eco-friendly benefits, as it removes the need for paper or physical versions of books.

Online Encyclopedias

Another useful way in which phones can be effective at school is by giving kids access to online encyclopedias, like Wikipedia. These educational resources are very powerful, filled with reams of information and knowledge for kids to soak up.

Children can use their phones to look up the different topics they’re taught at school. This can help to deepen their understanding of almost any subject. It also provides supplementary information that the class teacher might not mention.

Screen Control Apps

One of the common problems that people cite when it comes to phones in schools is that they can be distracting. Many parents and teachers worry that kids will spend too much time looking at their phones and not enough time paying attention in class.

However, a way to combat this is to make use of screen control apps. Apps like Kids360 , for example, allow you to track and control how much time your child’s device is on.

Collaboration and Group Work

Often, teachers put kids into groups and ask them to work together on a project. This is a great way for kids of different ages to not only build new social bonds but also develop their teamwork skills.

Phones can be helpful tools for collaboration. They facilitate communication between the different team members, letting everyone participate, even after-school when the various team members say goodbye and go home for the day.

Related: What Age Should a Kid Get a Phone? The Ultimate Guide to Deciding .

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Clearly, when it comes to phones in schools, there are both pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages.

A Powerful Learning Tool

One of the best benefits of allowing cell phones in school is their incredible potential for educational benefits and stronger learning.

As shown above, there are lots of ways that phones can be used for learning. They give access to eReaders, educational apps, online encyclopedias, and more.

An Additional Security Measure

Another benefit of letting kids take phones to school is for their own safety. If any kind of emergency happens, the child will be able to make a call and get help or contact their parents.

Not only that, but phones can be helpful for safeguarding kids outside of school, as they make their way home. Parents can use the Findmykids app to track their child’s location and keep them secure.

Download the Findmykids app today for free and be sure your child is safe wherever they are.

Communication with Friends and Family

Despite having so many different uses nowadays, the primary purpose of a phone is for communication.

Phones at school can help kids keep in touch with one another, work together on group projects, and build strong friendships.

Organization

Many students struggle to stay organized. It can be hard to keep track of homework, schedules, assignments, exams, and so on.

Phones make organization easier. They come with calendar apps and other handy tools to help kids organize their lives and become more independent.

Saving Schools Money

Phones can also provide benefits for the school itself. Instead of having to spend lots of money on school devices like tablets or iPads, the school can simply ask students to use their phones.

eReader apps can remove the need for investment in books, and phones could therefore help schools with limited budgets or resources.

Helping Children from Lower-Income Homes

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Another financial-related benefit of phones at school is that they might be able to help kids who come from lower-income homes.

Some kids don’t have internet access or computers at home. Being able to use a phone at school can give them the knowledge and tech skills they need to succeed later in life.

Teaching Kids Tech Skills

Technology is an integral part of today’s world. Kids will need to know how to use various technological tools like phones, computers, and the internet as they grow up.

Bringing phones to school will help to level the playing field and give all kids the chance to learn about how to their devices in the best ways to access knowledge and learn skills.

Teaching Digital Responsibility

If kids aren’t taught the rights and wrongs of using their phones, they may have to simply figure things out for themselves. This could lead to bad habits and serious mistakes being made in their future.

Bringing phones to school gives teachers the chance to teach children about digital responsibility. It can teach them when it’s allowed to use their phones and how to use them in a way that is respectful of others.

As well as the pros listed above, there are also several cons to take into consideration regarding phones in schools. Here are a few of the big concerns:

A Distraction

One of the big issues that many people talk about with phones in schools is the risk of them becoming a distraction. Kids could start looking at their phones while the teacher is talking and miss out on valuable information, for example.

There’s also a risk of kids being less likely to interact and socialize together if they’re too distracted by their screens and devices.

However, this disadvantage can be easily dealt with. For example, you can install the Kids360 app and make a schedule for using the gadget—restrict access to games during school and before going to bed and monitor which applications and how long the child is using.

Mental Health Effects and Addiction

Some studies have shown that phones could have a negative effect on a child or teen’s mental health. It’s even possible for children of varying ages to develop addictions or dependencies on their devices.

This is why phone usage needs to be carefully monitored, controlled, and balanced. If a child is allowed to use their phone non-stop, they could easily become addicted to them.

Possible Cyberbullying

Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock.com

Bullying has always been a big problem in schools across the globe. It has changed form over the years, with cyberbullying becoming more prevalent in modern times.

With cyberbullying, bullies can use the internet and technological devices, like phones, to send harmful messages or spread false rumors about their peers. This can be very damaging to the victims.

Read also Children and cyberbullying: what is it and how to stop it?

Risk of Cheating

Another possible downside to consider with allowing phones in schools is the risk of cheating. During an exam, for instance, a student could use their phone to look up the answer to a question.

This kind of behavior could damage the integrity of the examination process. It could also make children too dependent on their devices and cause them to get false grades that are not reflective of their true abilities.

Potential for Misuse

Of course, with any internet-connected device, there’s also a risk of phones being misused by children. Instead of using them for educational purposes, kids could simply play games or watch videos.

There’s also a chance of children being able to access unsuitable content on their phones via the internet. For this reason, any phone usage at school would need to be carefully monitored.

EZ-Stock Studio/Shutterstock.com

If, after weighing up the pros and cons of phones in schools, you feel that phones should be banned or strictly controlled, you might like to consider an alternative. So, are there any other devices out there that can provide similar benefits and uses?

In general, the only alternatives to phones are other devices that function in a similar way, like GPS and smartwatches, or laptops and tablets. These devices allow access to educational materials and apps, but also have many of the same risks and downsides as phones.

Choose a GPS watch for a child right now and be calm for the safety of your child wherever they are!

Everyone will have their opinion on whether or not phones should be allowed in schools. However, after weighing up the pros and cons, it’s arguable that the benefits of phones outweigh the risks and kids should be allowed the opportunity to use their phones in certain ways at school.

These technological tools are part of the world, and kids will use them throughout their lives. By bringing them into the school environment, it should be easier to teach children and teens the right ways to use their phones for educational purposes, rather than simply as distractions, giving them valuable knowledge and skills they can take into later life.

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Home — Essay Samples — Information Science and Technology — Cell Phones — Reasons Why Cell Phones Should not be Allowed in School

Reasons Why Cell Phones Should not Be Allowed in School

• Categories: Cell Phones Children and Technology Impact of Technology

About this sample

Words: 588 |

Updated: 7 December, 2023

Words: 588 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

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Hook Examples for “Cell Phones Should Not Be Allowed in School” Essay

• An Educational Distraction: Step into the classroom and explore the pervasive presence of cell phones among students. Join me in examining how these devices, designed for connectivity, can often disconnect learners from the educational experience.
• Quoting an Educator: Educator John Dewey once said, “”Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”” Let’s discuss how the intrusion of cell phones in schools can disrupt the vital process of learning and personal growth.
• The Social Side Effects: Delve into the social consequences of unrestricted cell phone use in schools, from cyberbullying to the erosion of face-to-face communication. Together, we’ll explore the impact on student well-being.
• Academic Integrity at Stake: Explore the challenges posed by cell phones in terms of cheating and academic dishonesty. Join me in discussing the importance of maintaining academic integrity in educational institutions.
• Fostering a Distraction-Free Environment: Consider the benefits of creating a focused, distraction-free learning environment by restricting cell phone usage. Let’s explore how this policy can enhance the quality of education.

Works Cited

• Ferrell, Finessa. “Ask an expert”: Should students have cell phones at school? Chalkbeat.org; published January 24, 2012, found February 2, 2019.
• Nohar, Vanika. Should cell phones be allowed in school? ; Stabreaknews.com; published July 12, 2012. Found February 4, 2019.
• Freed, Richard. Why phones don’t belong in school; M.huffpost.com; published April 13, 2013; found February 4, 2019.
• Vitelli, Amie. 10 reasons why cell phones shouldn’t be allowed in school; Middleboroughtv.com; published December 5, 2018; found February 5, 2019.
• Martinko, Katherine. Why kids shouldn’t take their phones to school; Treehugger.com; published September 6, 2016; found February 5, 2019.

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Cell Phones in School: Should Be Banned, Restricted or Allowed?

Why Cell Phones in School Should Be Banned?

The use of mobile phones in schools has attracted the attention of many individuals, state organizations, learning institutions, the media and the society at large. Different views have been raised on the positive impacts and the negative repercussion that come as a result of the use of mobile phones in schools. Although some positive aspects can be drawn from the use of mobile phones in schools, the negative impacts are saddening and the need to be looked at with great caution. Poor school performance of children and cheating in exams can be attributed to the use of mobile phones in schools.

School children with mobile phones tend to have a short span of attention in class due to various activities, as surfing the internet, playing games and texting. These children are also likely to cheat in exams by searching for answers through the internet or texting their colleagues for answers. Likewise, cases of mobile phone theft increase due to the urge of getting better phones to those who already have and the desire of having a phone to the poor children who cannot afford it. These should thus give an alarm to the school board to ban the use of mobile phones.

One of the major reasons why the use of mobile phones by school children should be banned is because it promotes cheating during exams. The mobile phones may provide good avenues for the children to cheat in exams and thus earn undeserved credits. Children use the taken pictures of class notes, videos, text messaging as well as wireless earbuds to gain access to materials that assist them during the exams. According to the National School Resource Officer Survey in 2004 by NASRO, it was estimated that more than 41 percent had reported handling cases of students using mobile phones improperly. The officers reported that among the improper ways school children had used mobile phones included cheating in exams, particularly through text messaging and the internet.

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Another reason why the school board should ban the use of mobile phones is due to the short span of attention by the children. Student’s concentration in class is distracted on various occasions in the presence of mobile phones. In certain instances, the disturbance can be carried on to the rest of the children in class if the phone rings out loud. This is more likely to happen and cause a lot of distraction, hampering the learning process if these phones are not put in silent mode. Moreover, if a phone is put in silent mode or on vibration, it distracts the owner leading to a short attention span in class. If a call or message, for instance, comes in, the student loses concentration and diverts their attention towards reading the message or answering the call. These lower the student’s understanding of things taught in class and in turn results in poor performance.

It is essential for the school board to note that the use of mobile phones by children promotes theft. The changing technology results in the production of more attractive and expensive mobile phones that not every child can afford. Theft complaints are thus not going to stop anytime soon if the use of mobile phones in schools will not be banned. Despite the fact that some of the children already own mobile phones, they will be tempted to steal the more sophisticated ones from their friends. The poor children who cannot afford a cell phone are no exemption and they are most likely to steal any type of phone for them to own one. It is best if schools ban their use to prevent such cases of theft.

It is thus justifiable to conclude that the school board has a big part to play in making the learning environment suitable for all the children. The ban on the use of mobile phones will be very beneficial to all and would lead to better performance. The children’s concentration span in class would improve, cheating in exams would be minimized and cases of mobile phone theft in schools would be forgotten. If the school board embraces the idea of making it illegal to use mobile phones, the society will benefit and the school children will all have a favorable environment to learn.

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Why Cell Phones in School Should Be Restricted?

People create different devices and machines due to the constant growth of human needs and demands. It is connected with the appropriate improvement in the quality of life. In fact, the creation of such a modern device as a cell phone refers to great wonders of the twenty-first century, even if its use at school is under great concern. Thus, the development of the cell phone and its regular use can improve the process of studying at school, but it can also destruct the way students thinking and learning.

The cell phone makes a revolution in education. It widens children’s outlook and suggests new ways and approaches for learning more information in different subjects through video use. It becomes evident that “allowing students to use cell phones in the classroom for specific, academic purposes has the power to increase student engagement and allow teachers to more effectively assess learning on a daily basis” (Giambalvo).

It means that the particular use of this device contributes to the development of creativity and interactive experience. Students can get free access to a large number of sources which can be essential in studying. In this case, juniors are motivated to set their goals and reach them observing different videos based on the learning topics. Additionally, this issue includes social and emotional aspects that show how an individual can assess himself/herself to reveal the appropriate persistence and diligence. Thus, modern teachers consider cell phones as a useful tool for learning, which makes studying easier and more interesting.

The cell phones provide new effective ways of learning for those who try to overcome the difficulties with the second language. In this case, it’s primary purpose is to improve the limits of students’ vocabulary. With the help of mobile dictionaries, students can memorize many new words including their translation and spelling. They also develop their vocabulary while writing a test after reading the assignment, which seems to be rather difficult (Lu 515). The point is that students do not have any limitation to learn more words every time they look up a new one and its various meanings. It is known that lexical information improves the intellect, and students’ speech becomes better. Therefore, the effectiveness of cell phone use is obvious, and it is necessary to further develop this approach.

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On the other hand, cell phones cause cheating and unceasing ringing that destroys classroom policies at school. Many teachers claim that “the technology is considered a serious source of distraction in the classroom” because it has a negative impact on academic performance (Campbell 280). In such a way, plagiarism becomes a common problem that exists among students. After finishing high schools, they are not ready to develop and create their own ideas. Students have boundless access to the Internet, thus they simply copy and paste the suggested information. It brings harm to the students’ studying as they do not make any considerable effort to develop their own intellectual skills and abilities in the process of learning. Additionally, teachers often complain that they cannot concentrate on the representation of new material due to the ringing in the class.

Moreover, parents notice that their children stop paying much attention to the school assignments but talk over the phone all the time. Perhaps, it is a precise result of parents’ numerous requests to allow their children to use mobile phones at school as they are against the past ban (Taylor). Thus, the cell phone becomes children’s obsession as they gradually begin to depend on this advanced technology.

In conclusion, the use of the cell phone improves the quality of studying as teachers can apply various teaching videos. Students can also learn the second foreign language via the cell phone by consulting the dictionary and memorizing new words as well as establishing communication and interacting with each other. However, the use of cell phones has several disadvantages while studying: the main one is cheating. This leads to reducing students’ own knowledge because they are out of practice. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the use of cell phones at school in order to avoid plagiarism which is not good for students studying.

Why Cell Phones in School Should Be Allowed?

In terms of using cell phones in school, various improvements have been established at different schools, which benefited students since their privacy has been improved as well as an effective and essential means of communication was implemented. Schools are trying out various policies that allow having cell phones at schools with some permitting students to use their phones only during breaks or at lunchtime. Other schools are encouraging students to have cell phones at school in order to enhance the educational process, the main purpose of which is to improve understanding in the classroom.

This is helpful in various ways since it provides suitable platforms for enhancing educational understanding. Other policies that were implemented allow students to carry cell phones to school and use them after classes and at breaks. The phones should be kept in lockers or backpacks during classes. This is unlike the policy of some schools that allow phones and encourage students to carry them to school and use them in class for their educational advantage.

Cell phones use in high school during break times should, therefore, be allowed because of personal rights, privacy issues, and effective and essential communication. The use of cell phones during breaks prevents students from losing attention in class and allows them to maintain necessary communications with their parents as well as provides them with the advantages of e-learning tools. Allowing students to use cell phones at school gives students the right to personal life and privacy. In addition, cell phones enhance research and improve students’ understanding since they have more access to information that is available on the Internet.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Banning Cellphones in Educational Institutions

The debate over whether to ban cellphones in educational institutions is a contentious one, with compelling arguments on both sides. Students bringing in mobile devices like cellphones and tablets are on the rise in the recent years. Most of the educational institutions ban cellphone usage inside their campus. Some of the schools and colleges permit the usage of cellphone with restrictions. Most of the parents allow students to take up mobile phones to their schools even if it is banned in schools. Most parents are also concerned about the use of cellphones during class hours. This blog will examine the advantages and disadvantages of such a ban, focusing on three main areas: academic impact, safety concerns, and social implications.

Advantages of Banning Cellphones in Educational Institutions:

Academic benefits:.

• Improved Academic Performance: Studies have shown a positive correlation between banning mobiles and higher test scores, potentially due to increased focus and reduced multi-tasking.
• Reduced Dependence on Technology: Overreliance on technology can impede development of critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Banning phones encourages students to rely on their own intellect and resourcefulness.
• Reduction in Cheating : Cellphones can be used to cheat during exams or assignments through text messages, internet searches, and hidden notes. Banning them can help maintain academic integrity.
• Enhanced Engagement : Teachers often find it easier to engage with students when they are not distracted by their phones. This can lead to more interactive and productive classroom discussions.

Safety and security benefits:

• Safer walking/driving:  Phone use can lead to unsafe behaviors like texting while walking or cycling, potentially causing accidents.
• Avoid Theft and damage:  Phones can be stolen or damaged within the school environment, leading to financial losses and frustration.
• Restrict Inappropriate content: Unfiltered internet access on smartphones risks exposing students to harmful or age-inappropriate content.
• Avoid false communications: Unwanted communication and false communications without actual occurrence of events
• Prevention of Unauthorized Recording : Cellphones can be used to record videos or take pictures without consent, leading to privacy violations. A ban can protect students and staff from such incidents.

Social and emotional well-being:

• Avoid Addiction and dependence: Excessive phone use can lead to addiction and anxiety, hindering healthy social interaction and personal development. Some students easily get addicted to texting which creates behavioral problems.
• Social well-being:  Social media feeds often portray unrealistic ideals, leading to self-esteem issues and social pressure among students.
• Increased Social Interaction:  Removing the dependence on digital communication encourages face-to-face interaction and fosters stronger relationships between students and teachers.
• Equal Playing Field : Not all students can afford the latest smartphones, and a ban can help reduce socio-economic disparities and related social tensions.

Health Benefits

• Reduced Risk of Obesity : Limiting cellphone use can decrease sedentary behavior, encouraging more physical activity and reducing the risk of obesity.
• Better Sleep Patterns : Without the interference of screens, students are more likely to maintain healthier sleep schedules, leading to improved overall health and cognitive function. Late-night phone use can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to fatigue, impacting overall well-being.
• Behavior and Development : Reducing screen time can mitigate behavior problems and support healthier language and social skills developments.

Disadvantages of Banning Cellphones in Educational Institutions:

Academic drawbacks.

• Limited Access to Learning Resources: Smartphones can provide valuable educational resources like e-books, online courses, and research tools. A complete ban may hinder access to these resources. Information can be accessed through internet during leisure hours at school and during traveling.
• Challenges in Modern Learning : In an increasingly digital world, the ability to use technology effectively is crucial. A ban might limit students’ opportunities to develop these essential skills.
• Digital Literacy Skills Development: Restricting smartphone use completely may limit students’ opportunities to develop essential digital literacy skills needed for future careers and society. Also, Online learning applications helps students to study at anytime and from anywhere.

Safety Drawbacks

• Communication Impairment: Cellphones can be essential for emergency communication with parents or guardians, especially for older students. Banning them can create unnecessary anxiety and limit accessibility. In the event of power failure and lock down conditions cellphones can be used. Security of students who drive to college or travel in public transport find cellphones useful. Information can be shared among students with teachers and parents immediately if mobile phone is available.
• Limited Access to Emergency Services : Students might not be able to call for help in emergencies if they do not have access to their phones.

Social Drawbacks

• Equity and Inclusion Concerns:  Some students may rely on their phones for financial aid applications, translation tools, or access to mental health resources. A complete ban might disadvantage these students.
• Implementation and Enforcement Challenges: Enforcing a phone ban can be difficult and impractical in some school settings, leading to potential inconsistencies and frustration. Banning cellphones can lead to resentment among students, potentially causing them to rebel or find ways to circumvent the rules.
• Isolation from Peers : For some students, cellphones are a primary means of staying connected with their friends and family. A ban might lead to feelings of isolation.

Additional Adverse Effects of Excessive Screen Time and Low-Quality Content

• Inadequate Sleep Schedules and Insufficient Sleep : The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to inadequate and poor-quality sleep.
• Behavior Problems : Excessive screen time can contribute to various behavior issues, including impulsivity and difficulty in focusing.
• Delays in Language and Social Skills Development : Young students, in particular, may experience delays in language acquisition and social skill development due to reduced face-to-face interactions.
• Exposure to Violence : Access to violent content can desensitize students and potentially lead to aggressive behavior.
• Attention Problems : Constant use of cellphones can lead to decreased attention spans and difficulty in concentrating on tasks.

However, taking cellphones completely away from students may not be good as most of the peer have access to it. Having better control over the usage of cellphones are required by the educational institutions and parents in order to have better advantage for students.

Alternative Solutions and Suggestions

• Designated Phone-Free Zones : Create specific areas where cellphone use is prohibited.
• Scheduled Phone Use : Allow cellphone use during designated times, balancing connectivity and focus.
• Digital Literacy Education : Teach responsible cellphone use.
• Cyberbullying Awareness : Educate about the impact of cyberbullying and prevention strategies.
• Collaborative Policies : Involve parents in creating and enforcing cellphone policies.
• Parental Guidance : Encourage parents to monitor and promote healthy screen habits.
• Screen Time Management Apps : Monitor and limit cellphone use during school hours.
• Content Filtering : Block inappropriate content on school networks.
• Promoting Physical Activity : Offer extracurricular activities to reduce dependence on cellphones.
• Facilitating Social Interaction : Organize events and group activities for better social skill development.
• Purpose-Specific Devices : Provide basic phones with limited features to ensure essential communication without distractions.
• Focus on Safety and Connectivity : Allow communication in emergencies while limiting access to distracting apps and content.

Ultimately, the decision to ban mobile phones in schools should be made, considering the specific needs and context of the school, the age and maturity of the students, and the potential for alternative solutions to address concerns about mobile phone use. While banning cellphones can lead to increased focus, reduced bullying, and better social interaction, it can also limit access to valuable learning tools and hinder communication during emergencies. Educational institutions must consider these factors carefully and strive to find a balanced approach that maximizes the benefits while mitigating the disadvantages. Instead of a complete ban, schools could explore alternatives like designated phone zones, time restrictions, or educational programs addressing responsible phone use. Open communication and dialogue among students, teachers, parents, and administrators are crucial to finding a balanced approach that promotes both learning and well-being within the educational environment.

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Teachers Want Cellphones Out of Classrooms

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The National Education Association today released survey findings sounding the alarm on the negative effects that social media and cellphones are having on students’ mental health, interpersonal skills, and learning.

Those concerns aren’t new. Childhood experts, from school principals to pediatricians, have been voicing concerns about the negative impact of cellphones and social media on students for some time—especially since the pandemic. But they strike a particularly ominous tone when coming from nearly 3,000 K-12 educators who routinely observe and try to teach school-age children.

The NEA survey, conducted by data firm GBAO, drew responses from 2,889 educators working in K-12 schools this spring. The respondents are members of the NEA, which is the nation’s largest teachers’ union.

With the survey release, NEA President Becky Pringle emphasized the need for schools to craft their own policies to restrict students’ use of cellphones and other personal devices.

“Student mental health is a serious and growing concern for parents and educators, exacerbated by social media and personal-device use in schools,” said Pringle. “Every student—Black or white, Asian or Latino, native or newcomer—deserves a welcoming and safe learning environment. That environment can be compromised when social media follows students into school. To best support student well-being, it is crucial to have strong, schoolwide, locally crafted policies restricting access to personal devices during the school day.”

The survey shows that most respondents want to restrict cellphones at school

Pringle’s comments drive home how the use of personal devices at school exacerbates the dual, related problems of students’ mental health challenges and learning disruptions. So do the survey’s key findings.

Of the NEA members who responded to the survey:

• Ninety percent support policies prohibiting the use of cellphones or other personal devices at school during instructional time.
• More than 90 percent believe students’ mental health is a serious issue.
• Seventy-five percent referred to social media use as a “serious problem” and are concerned about harmful effects, such as cyberbullying, disruption to social-skill development, and the loss of instructional time.
• Eighty-three percent think policies prohibiting the use of personal devices should extend throughout the school day (with exceptions being made for students with medical or disability-related needs).
• Only 31 percent think personal-device policies should be left up to individual educators.

Changing attitudes about cellphone use at school

The NEA survey reflects changing attitudes among teachers about cellphone use at school.

In an EdWeek Research Center survey conducted just over a year ago, only 24 percent of teachers thought cellphones should be banned from school campuses altogether. Now, it seems like more educators support the idea.

This July, independent school administrator Jody Passanisi wrote an Education Week opinion essay retracting her stance on cellphone use in classrooms that she and a fellow administrator took 11 years ago. At the time, they co-wrote an essay in Education Week extolling the potential uses of smartphones in the classroom. Now, Passanisi does not allow cellphones in class.

“Back in 2013, Shara and I didn’t know then what we know now about the incessant demands of a cellphone and how just having a phone near you can be a learning distraction,” Passanisi wrote.

As technology evolves, school administrators and educators may continue to reevaluate their stance on the use of personal devices in school classrooms and on campuses.

But for now, findings from surveys like the one released by the NEA , as well as recent EdWeek reporting on the topic, indicate that an increasing number of educators want these devices out of students’ hands during class time, if not the entire school day.

Policymakers may be following suit. At least 11 states have passed laws or enacted policies that ban or restrict students’ use of cellphones in schools or recommend districts enact their own restrictions, according to an EdWeek analysis .

Cellphones in Schools

Explore our coverage around students’ use of cellphones in schools: > Guide to setting a policy: Here’s a decisionmaking tool for educators to map out the different potential outcomes when putting cellphone policies in play. > Cellphone bans and restrictions: See which states are requiring cellphone restrictions or bans in schools in our tracker. Explore our tracker . > Nuisance or teaching tool? How teachers are turning an ubiquitous and growing class nuisance—the smartphone—into a tool for learning . > Cellphone policies, explained: Education Week breaks down the different ways schools are addressing cellphone use, and the factors to weigh before adopting or changing the rules. Check out our explainer . > Tips from teens & teachers: Teenagers offer 6 tips on how schools should manage students’ cellphone use, and educators share their tips on policing cellphone use in classrooms. > Then & now: How the “sexting” panic previewed today’s debate about kids’ cellphone use .

Complete coverage on cellphones in schools >

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Why Schools Are Racing to Ban Student Phones

As the new school year starts, a wave of new laws that aim to curb distracted learning is taking effect in Indiana, Louisiana and other states.

By Natasha Singer

Natasha Singer covers technology in schools. She welcomes reader tips at nytimes.com/tips

Cellphones have become a school scourge. More than 70 percent of high school teachers say student phone distraction is a “major problem,” according to a survey this year by Pew Research .

That’s why states are mounting a bipartisan effort to crack down on rampant student cellphone use. So far this year, at least eight states have passed laws, issued orders or adopted rules to curb phone use among students during school hours.

The issue isn’t simply that some children and teenagers compulsively use apps like Snap, TikTok and Instagram during lessons, distracting themselves and their classmates. In many schools, students have also used their phones to bully, sexually exploit and share videos of physical attacks on their peers.

But cellphone restrictions can be difficult for teachers to enforce without schoolwide rules requiring students to place their phones in lockers or other locations.

Now state lawmakers, along with some prominent governors , are pushing for more uniform restrictions in public schools.

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Why a ban on cellphones in schools might be more of a distraction than the problem it’s trying to fix

Lecturer, School of Education, Auckland University of Technology

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Eunice Gaerlan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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The National Party’s promised ban on cellphones in schools has been touted by leader Christopher Luxon as a “common sense” and “practical” way to address New Zealand’s poor academic achievement.

And his claim that “phones are a massive disturbance and distraction” seems credible on the face of it. A recent UNESCO report found the intensive use of devices had negative impacts on student performance and increased disruption in the classroom.

App notifications throughout the day were found to be distracting students from their learning, affecting focus, recall and comprehension.

But international research suggests a blanket ban would make only a small difference to grades. A focus on phones risks shifting attention from other reasons students may be underachieving.

Read more: Do smartphones belong in classrooms? Four scholars weigh in

Misunderstanding the UNESCO report

Current interpretations of the UNESCO report, including how it is being used in the political argument, seem to focus on phones as the main source of distraction for students.

But these interpretations fail to acknowledge the broader context of the report’s findings. The report looks at smartphones as part of a wider suite of information communications technology (ICT) used during the school day, including personal laptops and tablets. These devices can also lead to distraction and lower student engagement.

The UNESCO report actually cautions against a complete device ban :

Students need to learn the risks and opportunities that come with technology, develop critical skills, and understand to live with and without technology. Shielding students from new and innovative technology can put them at a disadvantage. It is important to look at these issues with an eye on the future and be ready to adjust and adapt as the world changes.

Learning from overseas bans

Almost one in four countries have laws and policies banning smartphones in schools, most commonly in Central and South Asia.

Several Australian states have introduced bans over the past few years, with anecdotal evidence suggesting higher student engagement . Other countries, such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom , are following suit.

A British study found banning phones is an effective low-cost policy to improve student performance . However, Swedish research aiming to replicate the British findings suggests the impact of a mobile phone ban on student achievement is negligible.

According to the Swedish research, “mobile phone bans have no impact on student performance, and we can reject even very small effects of banning mobile phones in the Swedish setting”.

The UNESCO report itself suggests a ban would be little more than a blunt approach to what is a much more complex problem.

Beyond the politics

While the evidence supporting a ban continues to be evaluated, the approach will appeal to many New Zealand parents and teachers who have concerns about children’s phone use and the impact of phones in the classroom and at home. These concerns make a ban an easy political win for National.

But schools, which operate as self-governing institutions through a board of trustees, currently implement their own policies on phone use. A blanket ban will undermine their ability to choose what is best for their community.

Read more: How smart is it to allow students to use mobile phones at school?

Decisions about a phone policy would benefit from community consultation supported by sound evidence. These consultations should involve all those with a stake in students’ learning, including the students themselves – 90% of whom have a cellphone by their first year of high school.

And we should be putting faith in our students. In my study on teenage girls and social media , students reported varying degrees of self-regulation and high self-awareness of the impact of social media on their wellbeing. They were able to enact their own boundaries to mitigate the negative effects of new technologies.

Perhaps what is needed here is an educational approach, rather than a ban. We could give young people the resources to develop the necessary critical thinking strategies and self-awareness to engage reflectively with these new technologies.

Addressing what really hurts student achievement

What remain strikingly absent from the discussion are the various other pressures causing lower student achievement, such as the ongoing impact of the pandemic on student learning .

We need to be looking at the effects of truancy and what support schools are receiving to turn this around. We also need to address what the cost-of-living crisis is doing to families and their ability to meet the basic needs of their children.

There is clearly a crisis in the education sector and these other pressures on young people’s engagement need be taken seriously. Instead of a blanket ban on cellphones in the classroom, efforts should be put towards getting children to school and keeping them there.

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Jury still out on whether school phone bans help kids learn, reduce bullying

Mobile phones are now effectively banned in public schools across Australia, and politicians are spruiking big improvements in student behaviour since the change.

But while teens say they've largely adapted to being phoneless at school — and some even say the bans have been positive — an education professor says real evidence of the benefits is still lacking.

This month, South Australia has marked one year since banning mobile phones in public schools .

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas says "the evidence is in", children are playing with each other and not on their phones and there has been "a reduction in inappropriate behaviour".

School reporting data from the state indicates a 63 per cent decline in "critical incidents involving social media" in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2023 before the ban.

The government also says there's been a 54 per cent drop in behavioural issues, 44 per cent fewer "policy compliance issues" and 10 per cent fewer violent incidents.

And when the ban began, principals reported "immediate changes" in student behaviour, according to authorities.

So what do students think?

When the new SA rules were introduced in term 3 last year, BTN High spoke to teens about their thoughts on the ban.

There was some resistance at the time , but a year in, anecdotally, most say they have adjusted.

Brodie, 15, admits he wasn't keen on the ban initially.

"I wasn't too happy about it but over the weeks I slowly grew into it," he says.

Hannah, 16, is even more positive, saying "it's actually been really good".

"Everyone's taken it really well … the socialisation levels have definitely improved, " she says.

"Recess and lunch breaks … we used to sit on our phones. I've noticed that people are a lot more active, people go around on walks a lot, they talk to each other more."

In terms of changes in classrooms, 16-year-old Tenzin says he's seen improvements.

"The classroom environment is quieter, there's less distraction, students are more engaged with the teacher," he says.

A different story at home

Leelu, 17, says the ban has helped cut down her social media use — even outside school.

"My tendency to pick up my phone and just scroll through social media has … changed a bit and I think that that's probably in relation to the phone ban," she says.

However, the teens are less confident that the bans have reduced bullying.

"The only thing that it has stopped, definitely, is taking photos of people at school and posting them … I feel like that can't happen anymore," Amani, 17, says.

Leelu says the school phone ban might help cyberbullying while students are on campus — but at home, it's a different story.

"I think that students still have the ability to go home at night … be on social media and hide behind their screens and say nasty things," she says.

A lack of peer-reviewed evidence

Private schools across the country are still free to make their own rules about mobile phone use on campus.

While SA authorities have been quick to hail phone bans in public schools a success, Marilyn Campbell from the Queensland University of Technology's School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education says meaningful research on the benefits and drawbacks remains scarce.

Professor Campbell believes school mobile phone bans have become a method of political pointscoring.

"Ban the phones — it's catchy," she says.

"The South Australian government has … said nothing about distraction, they've said nothing about, 'Well, [test] scores have gone up compared to [before] phones were banned'.

"What they've actually said is … they've had less problems with mobile phones, discipline-wise … well, that's fairly obvious, isn't it [when phones are banned]?"

Phones 'just part of living now'

Professor Campbell says there isn't enough peer-reviewed evidence to prove whether phone bans lead to fewer distractions, better academic performance, improved mental health or less bullying.

"There's been no data on this perception that kids will learn more if we ban mobile phones," she says.

"All of the studies have found there is only 1 per cent of kids who are only cyberbullied and don't [also] get bullied face to face.

"[And] It's such a huge statement that going on your mobile phone is bad for mental health."

Professor Campbell says, for some kids, being able to connect online is "really good for their mental health".

"For LGBT kids, for kids who feel different at school … connecting with their tribe who might not be at school is actually good for their mental health," she says.

Professor Campbell says there needs to be more research on how phone bans impact kids' lives more broadly and that, instead of banning phones, young people should be taught how to use their devices in moderation.

"There should be things that they are instructed in, in mobile phone etiquette … it's just part of living now," she says.

"You can't say, 'We won't have mobile phones anymore'."

Phone bans by state and territory

Western Australia: Years K–6 in public schools may not have a phone in their possession , while years 7–12 may, but it must be turned off and put away. Smart watches must be kept in aeroplane mode at school.

Northern Territory: Students from preschool to year 6 in government schools may not have a phone in their possession . Years 7–12 may have a phone at school, but it must be turned off and stored securely. Smartwatches must be in flight mode.

South Australia: Public school students must keep their mobile phones and other personal devices, such as smart watches, switched off and put away while they're at school. Each school has its own policy on how this works in practice.

Queensland: Public school students must keep mobile phones switched off and "away for the day" during school hours . Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, must have notifications switched off. Each school has its own policy on how this works in practice.

New South Wales: Student mobile phone use is banned in public primary and high schools . There are a variety of ways that schools can implement the ban locally.

Australian Capital Territory: Students in years P–10 may not use or access mobile phones or other personal communications devices during the school day or during school-authorised events. Students in years 11 and 12 can have their phones but must put their devices away during class time.

Tasmania: Students from years K–12 must have their mobile phones switched off and stored during school hours . Each school has its own policy on how this works in practice.

Victoria: Students must have phones switched off and securely stored during school hours. Each school has its own policy on how this works in practice. Wearable devices, tablets and other personal devices must have notifications turned off.

Note: All states and territories have exceptions to the ban in special circumstances, including for medical and educational reasons.

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Back to school but not to screens: states ramp up cellphone bans.

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Ninety-five percent of U.S. teenagers ages 13 to 17 say they have access to a smartphone, according ... [+] to the Pew Research Center.

Work has been easier for public high school teacher Brian Kerekes since last August, when he first experienced the impacts of a newly enacted Florida law to restrict students’ cellphone use during class. The longtime statistics instructor, who started a new school year on Monday, now spends less time circling the classroom policing students and more time educating them on how to gather and interpret data.

Before Florida passed the ban in May 2023—becoming the first of at least eight U.S. states to prohibit or restrict cellphone use in schools—phones proved a constant disruption in Kerekes’ classroom at Tohopekaliga High School in the central Florida city of Kissimmee.

“Students were either using them to talk to someone in a different class or talk to someone on the other side of the room or just to zone out, get on TikTok or whatever,” Kerekes, who’s been a teacher for 17 years, said in an interview.

Fellow teachers nationwide face the same challenge, which explains why more states and districts are moving to limit or outright ban cellphones in the classroom, and even during the school day altogether. As students across the country head back to campus this month, kids in states including Indiana, Louisiana and South Carolina and some districts around Kansas City will, like their Florida peers before them, have to adjust to a new normal when it comes to wielding their beloved devices at school.

The rules will look different from state to state and district to district, but all stem from the same concerns.

Seventy-two percent of high school teachers cite cellphones as a major distraction in the classroom, according to a fall 2023 Pew Research Center study . Educators also worry that constant access to social media can adversely impact kids’ mental health. A number of studies have made that correlation , finding that time spent on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem as kids get harassed or embarrassed online and compare their lives with the polished and carefully curated narratives crafted by others.

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U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy went so far as to issue a health advisory last year, warning that enough evidence exists to show social media can be unsafe for children and teens. “We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis,” he said, “and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis, one that we must urgently address.”

While social media can connect kids, make them feel less alone and offer an entertaining and creative outlet, it also exposes them to harmful content, Murthy pointed out in the advisory released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And, as educators such as Kerekes note, some students use their phones to bully fellow students online during the school day, and in the most extreme cases, to set up fights and film them. The hope is that cellphone bans will reduce such incidents. Kerekes said he’s hearing they have.

Not Everyone Wants Cellphone Bans

The ongoing debate over cellphones’ place in the classroom is a complex and sometimes emotional one, particularly for parents who want their kids to be able to contact them in the event of an emergency, especially amid the growing number of school shootings across the country. Students in several states have even started petitions against the bans.

“The ban on cell phone usage in high school is, for many of us, an infringement on our rights and a source of great frustration,” reads a Change.org petition started by Louisiana students last week. “While we understand the potential for distraction, it is our belief that cell phone use can, and should, be managed responsibly.

“Enabling us to use our phones within reasonable confines would not just place trust in us as responsible individuals,” the petition continues, “but also equip us with the necessary skill set to manage our own time and distractions.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, for her part, has spent the summer on a “listening tour” speaking with parents, students and educators about the proposed smartphone ban she announced in May. It would allow kids to bring “dumb” phones to school that let them text and make calls when necessary, but not access the internet.

“We can help our young people succeed in the classroom by ensuring they’re learning and growing—not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said in a statement when announcing the tour.

Kids have such trouble detaching from their phones, however, that some New York districts don’t want to wait for a statewide ban.

Last week, the ​​Lackawanna City School District in western New York announced a “No Cell Bell to Bell” policy that will require students in grades 6 to 12 to place their phones in secure, lockable pouches provided by schools during the day. The bags will stay in the kids’ possession, and once school is over, administrators will automatically unlock them.

Phone Restrictions, A Bipartisan Issue

While Pew Research Center data shows that 82% of K-12 teachers in the U.S. say their school or district already has a cellphone policy of some kind in place, more states are moving to mandate them. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, signed a law in May that requires schools to adopt and implement their own official policies regarding cellphone use in the classroom. An executive order signed in July by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and set to go into effect in January does the same thing. Like DeWine, Youngkin is a Republican.

This is a decidedly bipartisan issue, though. New York Governor Hochul is a Democrat, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, another Democrat, in June signaled his support for a statewide ban. Board of education members in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the country, have already voted to ban cellphone use during school hours, though specifics of the policy haven’t yet been set.

At Kerekes’ public school, kids can still have their phones in the classroom, but the state law forbids them from accessing social media while using the district’s Wi-Fi. If they’re caught breaking the rules, they face steeper consequences than in the past: Someone from the dean’s office comes into the classroom and takes their phone away through the end of the day.

“Once that person came into the classroom, the rest of the kids knew we weren’t kidding around,” Kerekes said.

“I think it’s worked out really well,” Kerekes added when reflecting on Florida’s year-old law. “The level of issues that we had to deal with that were cellphone-related were a lot fewer than they were in years past.”

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