In this day and age, cell phones have become completely normal, and you rarely hear of someone who doesn’t own a cell phone and who doesn’t carry it everywhere they go. Children as young as second-and third-graders have cell phones, and parents and teachers alike wonder how the devices impact kids and young adults, especially in classrooms and school settings. Some lobby for the idea that cell phones distract kids in the classroom and lower their grades and test scores, while others argue that the technological capabilities of cell phones can improve educational opportunities and will enhance the learning experience, as well as help students remember their assignments and better keep track of their homework. There are pros and cons to both sides and action has been taken by schools all over the country in an attempt to make the best decisions for students.
Pros: Educational Opportunities and Emergencies
Two of the best things about cell phones are the ability to quickly communicate with people between hundreds or thousands of miles, and the access to so much information that is right at the tips of our fingers. Many who are for the use of cellphones in classrooms argue that the technological capabilities of the device would help students learn more and learn the information better, as well as help them further research topics about which they are curious. Apps and educational games could help elementary, middle, and high school kids alike. Another reason students and parents want cell phones in classrooms is in the case of an emergency, whether that has to do with the entire school’s safety or a possible health issue with an individual student. Having cell phones in class would enable kids to contact parents or an emergency number. One way teachers are trying to compromise, letting the phones stay in the classroom but reducing the number of distractions, is something called “phone pockets.” Many teachers in schools across America have purchased sleeves for cell phones that can be hung on the door of a classroom, which would put the phone out of reach for students but still make them available for emergencies and proper use.
Cons: Distractions and Poor Usage
Because of all the buzzing, beeping, ringing, streaming, and texting that cell phones entail, studies show that an average person spends upwards of three hours and fifteen minutes on their phones each day. This can cause people to be distracted from work or other things they should be doing, and this is no exception in schools. Students who constantly have access to their phones, their social media accounts, and more could easily be distracted from what they are learning in class or the assignments they are supposed to be doing. Interruptions can also come about because of the devices; the noises the phones make, and a teacher always having to tell students to put away or turn off phones. Besides being distracted, students can also be tempted to use cell phones poorly, such as cheating on a test or even cyberbullying. Another social issue is that students may become anti-social; that the phones will cause kids to have fewer interactions with other kids. Some schools have tried banning phones in class, but allowing kids to have them out during lunch, and many students and teachers alike aren’t in favor of the policy, explaining that the cafeterias are nearly silent now.
Like with many issues, the debate over cell phones in classrooms will likely have to be solved by a compromise, and a healthy balance of both sides of the argument. Cell phones have amazing capabilities that could enhance a student’s learning experience, but they could also cause more harm than good in distractions and interruptions.
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