Smartphones are everywhere, and for students, they’ve easily become part of their daily life. Phones often help with communication, entertainment, and even learning, but they also have their downsides. This has led to schools worldwide debating whether or not phones should be banned during the school day. While the research shows both benefits and drawbacks, it has left educators and families to think over the ban carefully.
There have been several studies suggesting that banning phones can improve learning. For example, a large study in India found that students performed better academically when they handed in their phones before class. Students who were lower-achieving in academics showed a greater improvement. In the Netherlands, a government review found that 75% of schools noticed a better focus and stronger classroom environment after the phone restrictions were introduced.
Some students even believe the ban can help. “A student phone ban will change my day-to-day life because it will force me to communicate more and it could improve my communication skills and help me focus more on work,” explained student Alexia Gutierrez. She also added, however, that it could also be difficult: “It might not be beneficial if students can’t contact their parents or if they’re used to texting friends during the school day- it would be a very big change.”
Student Isabella Ferris expressed a similar mixed feeling. “I think that a school phone ban will benefit students because it can help them prioritize their schooling,” she also said. “But if there’s a lock-down, I’m going to feel unsafe without my phone.”
Not all evidence points in the same direction. A University of Birmingham study found no difference in grades, sleep, or mental health between schools that banned phones and those that didn’t. Other research highlights that bans don’t always address the cause of stress or bad performance, and sometimes the compliance is inconsistent. Critics also argue that bans remove useful tools like calculators, research access, and calendars that can be practical when used responsibly.
There were also concerns about safety that weighed heavy on students’ minds as well. Student Ariel Cuevas shared: “I would feel unsafe without immediate access to my phone at school. With the amount of school shootings and deaths that have come from American public schools, as well as natural disasters, I feel scared that I wouldn’t be able to contact my guardian fast enough in case of an emergency.”
These voices highlight the major tension with phone bans while bans may reduce distractions, they also can raise questions about student safety and the ability to stay connected in urgent situations. While evidence has shown they could reduce distractions and boost better focus, the results are mixed when it comes to overall well-being or long-term learning. As technology becomes more deeply into education, schools may need to find a balanced, limiting distractions while also addressing the safety concerns and teaching students how to use their device more responsibly.
