Smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life, especially for today’s students who find it difficult to live a day without their gadgets on hand. Going beyond as a communication tool, a smartphone can do a lot more, from uploading humorous short-format videos on TikTok to researching about the American Civil War.
However, several states have proposed a ban on cell phone use in classrooms and Maryland is gradually being added to the list. How did it come to this and how do parents, students, and teachers respond to this call? Before that, let’s take a look at the reasons for this proposal.
Reasons for Banning Cell Phone Use
Restricting cell phone use isn’t limited to the United States. Globally, there has been a growing trend of banning mobile gadgets in classrooms with experts citing adverse effects to students’ academic performance. Quoting U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, a report published on Al Jazeera cited the link between social media use and mental health effects.
With smartphones now becoming more accessible while social media content remains poorly moderated, students expose themselves to messages that trigger depression and anxiety. Dr. Murthy even suggests placing warning labels on social media content, most of which are “pushed” by algorithms into the news feeds of young cell phone users.
Aside from securing the mental health of adolescents, the rationale behind the bans also include the need for students to focus on their studies. Experts worry that the absence of regulations will develop online addiction among students which affect their performance in school.
More importantly, the bans also aim to encourage students to socialize. Taking some time off from their phone screens, these adolescents can engage with one another and foster genuine relationships that improve their social well-being.
The World Health Organization, meanwhile, noted the dangers of excessive social media use amplified by increased cell phone usage which can lead to the development of behavioral disorders.
What States Are Banning Cell Phone Use?
Calls to limit cell phone use in schools have become more pronounced this year with New York and California contemplating statewide policies. Meanwhile, Indiana has announced a total ban on cell phone use in classrooms which is set to take effect before Spring ends.
These are just some of the initial instances when states have to weigh in. In previous years, the decision to implement smartphone use was left to the schools. With statewide policies, schools are intensifying existing rules.
In Maryland, Baltimore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers has acknowledged that cellphone use could distract students from learning. This has opened up discussions on adding more teeth to existing cell phone policies, with some schools using cell phone pouches to store students’ cellphones during class hours. Other schools may also go so far as purchasing Lockers at Schoollockers to secure mobile devices, allowing cell phone use only after classes are done.
For sure, Baltimore isn’t the only county putting its foot down on the issue of smartphones as distractors. Other school districts are also implementing stricter measures citing poor enforcement. When push comes to shove, these schools could reserve the power to confiscate the mobile phones of repeat offenders.
Where Do We Go From Here?
While it’s not clear how these concerns factor into the new policy on smartphone use in schools, the rule is expected to address the impact of social media usage in particular on the academic performance and mental well-being of young learners. The policy may be subject to further refinement, but when everything goes well, it could benefit not just parents and schools but also the students themselves.
