Image from Aysha Farooq
With California recently joining over thirty states banning phone usage in schools, debate over whether this helps or harms students is growing. The purpose is to help students focus in school instead of scrolling through social media and texting during class time. Some districts go as far as utilizing Yondr pouches—magnetic, lockable bags—so that students can focus and succeed without the distraction of a cell phone. While this idea remains a hotly debated topic amongst teens, ultimately, the ban is more beneficial than detrimental. Instead of spending extended periods of class time looking down scrolling through their phones, students should learn practical life skills and make the most out of their academic experience.
Students should ask themselves the question that matters most: do quick scrolls between lessons actually help us or do they just scatter our attention even more?
Researchers who have looked at phone bans observed a significant increase in social interaction amongst students and a newfound interest in academic topics. Banning phone usage is positive because it helps encourage this behavior. As students started to help each other more and create better relationships with both their classmates and teachers, the class environment became more positive.
Through the usage of surveys, researchers also found that older students understood the root purpose of the phone ban and identified its benefits. Their only concern was not being able to capture memories with their friends. However, even this issue is easily fixable. Students can choose to invest in digital cameras that store memories better and hold sentimental value, or they can simply spend more time enjoying the moment rather than wasting it glued to a screen.
The phone ban has also helped improve a larger concern students face in schools—bullying.
A study conducted by researchers at Norwegian middle schools concluded that a phone ban is worth the risk of not being able to use your phone for a couple of hours. Prior to the phone ban, bullying rates in these middle schools were high and problematic. However, limitations on phone access during the school day helped foster a safer environment for students.
The advantages of this ban are clear and evidently outweigh the cons.
Why oppose the ban before even giving it a try?
Phone addiction is a serious problem in today’s society. The only way to combat this problem is by restricting phone usage. This isn’t ideal for many students but it is the only way to actually develop life skills.
Excessive use of phones amidst lectures is disrespectful and creates a serious challenge for students in the future as they navigate through adulthood.
Opposing the ban isn’t just foolish. It is a dangerous game with consequences students can’t afford to ignore. If students give the ban just a couple of weeks before deciding against it, they will see a significant improvement in their GPA, social skills, and the atmosphere on campus. Furthermore, they will know how to interact with people in the future as adults and avoid the need to rely on social media to navigate their lives.
Aysha Farooq is currently a senior at Washington High School. She grew up in Fremont and has lived there all her life. This is her first year at The Hatchet and she’s looking forward to writing about local news, politics, and opinions. In her free time, she enjoys going out, spending time with family and friends, and finding new shows and movies to watch. In the future, she wants to go to college and major in political science on the pre-law track.