It’s been more than a decade since Apple introduced to the market the first-generation iPhone, which represented an absolute game-changer in the realms of communication. Twelve years later, the vast majority of the world population has now access to a smartphone, from children to adults. Despite the many benefits and advantages that come from the use of smartphones, many studies have also highlighted the negative impact that these devices can have in our lives. With 95% of teens having access to smartphone technology, we need to ask whether smart devices should be banned from the classroom or not.
There are many parts of the world on which reviews and bans of smartphones from the classroom are in the process of taking place or have already been implemented. The New South Wales government in Australia, for example, has been looking at the “risk versus reward” analysis of smartphone use within school premises. France has already implemented a ban on smartphone use inside of school facilities. In the UK, culture secretary Mark Hancock wanted to implement a similar ban.
There is a general consensus that leans more towards the negative impact of smartphones on students and teens in general that might overshadow the many benefits of these devices. Professor Jean Twenge from San Diego State University conducted a study that found a relation between smartphone and social media use and an increase of teens’ feelings of uselessness, as well as a link with the decrease of levels of happiness and satisfaction. Other studies have been able to link a relation between use and even proximity the decrease of levels of happiness and satisfaction. Other studies have been able to link a relation between use and even proximity of smartphones and academic performance of individuals.
This might be enough for school authorities to start proposing and implementing bans of smartphones within their premises, as they sound evidence enough of their negative impact. However, we also need to see these devices as effective learning tools that kids and teens can take advantage of and enhance their academic achievements.
For example, we can see how many educators in Montreal are experimenting with alternative teaching strategies, implementing different strategies to integrate the use of smartphones inside and outside the classroom. High school art teachers are amongst those educators finding novel and creative ways to adapt and adopt smartphone use to improve their lessons. Working along with researchers, teachers and students used Instagram to create a closed network to which only students and teachers could have access. This network provides a safe and effective platform to carry out a smartphone art project that revolved around themes of self and school surroundings.
This is definitely a conversation that schools, parents, and educators will have for a long time, as it implies many different aspects to be considered. However, it seems like finding the perfect balance might be the answer to the question of whether banning smartphones from schools could improve students’ academic performance or result in a detrimental policy that would take a toll on teens’ mental health.