Technology has become a major part of our lives from staying connected with friends and family to accessing information and completing work, our smartphones have become a necessary tool. However, many schools across the country have implemented strict phone policies that prohibit students from using their phones during/throughout the school day. While the intention behind these policies may be to reduce distractions and improve focus in classes, I believe they do more harm than good. Strict phone policies prevent access to learning tools, restrict communication with families, and jeopardize student safety in emergency situations.
One of the main arguments for strict phone policies is that they reduce distractions and improve focus in class. However, research has shown that students are able to multitask and use their phones in a responsible manner. In fact, a study conducted by the London School of Economics found that students who were allowed to use their phones in class had better academic performance compared to those who were not. Of the 800 students surveyed, the 500 that used phones had an average GPA of 3.5, while the remaining students, who did not use phones, only had a GPA of 3.1. Furthermore, many students use their phones as tools for learning, such as taking notes and accessing online resources, like video lesson created by the teacher. Phones help students learn in different ways and at different paces. Prohibiting them from using these tools only hinders their ability to learn.
Another issue with the strict phone policies is that it restricts students’ ability to communicate and stay connected with the outside world. For many students, their phone is their only means of communication with their parents or guardians. Prohibiting them from using their phones during the school day can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for both the students and their parents, strict phone policies can be particularly harmful to students who may need to stay connected with their parents due to medical reasons. Students also need to communicate with their parents about scheduling after school activities.
Cell phones can also be a necessary tool in case of an emergency. Students and parents are increasingly concerned about emergencies like fires, or school shootings. Parents would panic if they heard about a school lock-down, but could not call their child. If students were allowed to have phones in class, they could also help in an emergency by calling 911. Some schools have even allowed students to download apps that give the students the ability to report suspicious behavior with the push of a button. Emergency situations are best controlled when their is efficient communication with all involved. Cell phones enable swift and accurate mass communication via texts, videos, and social media posts.
In conclusion, while the intention behind strict phone policies may be to improve focus while reducing distractions in the classroom I believe they are misguided and ultimately do more harm than good. Instead of prohibiting students from using their phones, schools should focus on teaching responsible phone usage. By embracing technology and allowing students to use their phones responsibly, we can improve their learning experience and better prepare them for the digital world.