What to Know
- UNESCO wants to prohibit cellphones in schools due to their potential to distract students and negatively impact their learning.
- Boredom is one of the main reasons that students report using digital devices during class.
- The Global Coalition for Digital Safety suggests that technology in broader education should only be used when there is a clear benefit to learning.
It is a problem that affects every classroom in the country.
Studies show that the use of cellphones by students in the classroom makes it harder for educators to maintain a distraction-free learning environment.
Teachers across the U.S. face a daily struggle to keep students engaged, with students saying boredom is one of the main reasons they use digital devices during class.
Distraction, not the device, is the issue
Students identified the top advantages and disadvantages of using digital devices for non-classroom purposes during class.
Here’s what school administrators are doing
- Massachusetts high school is considering a policy change to increase student engagement and minimize distractions.
- Los Angeles high school teachers have been curbing the usage of cellphones by requesting students turn them off or place the devices into a shoe box as they enter classrooms.
- Elida School District in Ohio banned students from bringing phones into the classroom, which resulted in an immediate reduction in disciplinary incidents.
Here’s what states are doing
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to introduce legislation that would allow students to only carry phones that don’t have access to the internet.
- Florida became the first state to ban cellphones during class in public schools, as well as blocking social media access on district Wi-Fi.
- California may add new limitations to cellphone usage on school grounds.
The federal government is also getting involved
- Republican and Democratic Senators have flagged tamping down cellphone use as a priority this congressional year.
- The Senate Health, Education and Labor committee approved an Education Department study of school district cellphone policies.
Conclusion
The use of cellphones in the classroom is a growing concern, with many educators and administrators struggling to maintain a distraction-free learning environment. While some schools are implementing policies to restrict cellphone use, others are considering banning them altogether. As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of cellphone use in the classroom will have far-reaching implications for education and society as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are cellphones a problem in the classroom?
A: Cellphones can be a distraction, and their use can negatively impact learning and student engagement.
Q: What are some ways to minimize cellphone use in the classroom?
A: Some schools are implementing policies to restrict cellphone use, while others are considering banning them altogether.
Q: What are some potential solutions to the problem of cellphone use in the classroom?
A: Some potential solutions include education on digital citizenship, limits on cellphone use, and the use of alternative devices for learning.
Q: Why is cellphone use a concern for educators?
A: Cellphone use can be a distraction, and its use can negatively impact learning and student engagement.
