The question of whether or not schools should ban phones is a commonly debated topic in education today. We use smartphones for everything: texting, calling, posting, GPS and everything else we do not even realize we do in our daily lives. Phones are extremely helpful to us, but when used in the wrong context, they are a huge distraction that can take away from our learning. Is a phone ban really the way to deal with it?
Those who oppose banning phones argue that a ban would take away the many important resources that our phones provide which we need for everyday life. Researchers from The Harvard Gazette say technology is involved in all parts of the ways students learn, organize their homework and communicate with their classmates. They say that the solution should be to teach students how to use it responsibly, not to completely ban it. Additionally, the article says that our phones can aid in our learning when we use it properly through the use of translation tools, AI and other research apps. A strict ban on phones can make it unfair for students who truly depend on their phones for support in their classes, for example, to combat a language barrier or accessibility issues.
On the other hand, supporters of a phone ban look into evidence that suggests phones impair focus and take away from good academic performance. In a Boston University study, it was found that in 14 countries with strict phone bans in schools, students had better learning outcomes and there were even less bullying issues. The study goes on to say that phones are a constant distraction, even if you try to ignore any notifications you receive. Schools that had full phone bans reported their classrooms are calmer and there are more face to face interactions.
While there are convincing pros and cons to both arguments, the solution could be a compromise between the two. Schools can require phones to be away during class time, but allow them to be out during lunch and other learning breaks. Instead of entirely banning phones, schools and teachers should work together with the students and find a way to teach them how to use their phones at appropriate times, without it being a distraction.
