Phone Ban in Schools: England Leads the Way

In a move that could potentially change the landscape of education, the Department of Education in England is set to release new guidance recommending a ban on the use of cell phones in schools. This ban, if implemented, would prohibit phone use during classroom time as well as free time throughout the school day. The aim of the ban is to increase students’ focus and reduce distractions, thereby improving academic performance.

The need for such intervention is supported by recent research, which found that nearly one-third of secondary school students in England reported using their phones in most or all of their classes. The success of similar bans in Portugal, Italy, and France further emphasizes the potential benefits of this policy.

As a member of Generation Z, I recognize the value of such a ban firsthand. I received my first iPhone when I was only 10 years old, and looking back, I can’t help but feel that excessive screen time robbed me of the chance to create lasting memories with friends and family. However, my experience in a private K-8 school in New Jersey, where phones were strictly prohibited outside of backpacks, was different. The fear of confiscation and the walk of shame to the principal’s office ensured that phones remained out of sight and out of mind.

Of course, some students still found ways to use their phones discreetly, but overall, the policy had a positive impact on our school experience. We were able to engage in playground games, have meaningful conversations during lunch, and focus on learning in the classroom.

Unfortunately, my high school experience was quite different. Phone policies were inconsistent, and many teachers failed to enforce any restrictions, leading to a culture of constant phone use. Students were engrossed in their screens during lessons, hallway conversations were replaced with zombies staring at their phones, and social interactions were limited, with little to no conversation taking place at lunch tables.

Reflecting on this, I believe that my peers and I missed out on valuable social and learning opportunities due to the presence of phones in the classroom. This sentiment is supported by a 2015 study from the London School of Economics, which found that banning phones in schools led to a 6% increase in test scores and the equivalent of an extra hour of learning each week.

Given the evidence and my personal experience, it is clear that more school districts in the United States should follow the lead of England and implement stricter phone bans. While it is important to respect the autonomy of state and local officials in setting school policies, the statistics speak for themselves. Currently, 77% of American public schools have implemented some form of phone ban, but this number should be closer to 100%, considering that 97% of 11- to 17-year-olds admit to using their phones during the school day.

In New York City, the situation is particularly concerning. Although phones were initially banned in public schools by Mayor Bloomberg in 2010, this policy was later reversed by Mayor DeBlasio. This decision, based on the belief that it was out of touch with modern parenting, fails to acknowledge the negative impact of phone usage on children’s development and education.

Renowned NYU professor and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt advocates for phone-free schools, highlighting the importance of providing children with an environment that fosters learning, deep friendships, and mental well-being. He commends the UK for embracing phone bans and urges US states to do the same.

As the next generation, Gen Z served as guinea pigs, demonstrating the detrimental effects of allowing phones in schools. Now, it is crucial to protect Generation Alpha from facing the same fate. By implementing stricter phone bans, we have the opportunity to create school environments that prioritize education, social interaction, and the well-being of our youth.

Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.