Phones In Schools: Should Students Be Allowed, Yes or Not?

Should Students Be Allowed To Have Cell Phones In Elementary and High Schools?

There is no doubt technology has disrupted the world. The education sector has not been left behind. Digital devices such as phones and laptops have found their way to the classroom. For example, more students in elementary and high schools are bringing their cell phones to class. While some schools allow this, others prohibit it. This opens the debate on whether to allow cell phones in school or not. There is no definite conclusion to this debate. So, in this article, we focus on both sides.

First, we argue that cell phones should be allowed in classes. This is because, if students manage their phones properly, they can help promote learning. Here are some pros of allowing phones in classes.

  1. They supplement traditional lessons

Teachers can use cell phones to supplement traditional lessons. For example, they may provide students with videos or inline discussion groups. These resources can further improve the understanding of even complex topics.

  1. Use of learning apps

Cell phones come with plenty of educational apps. Students can download these apps and use them to improve learning. Students have used such apps to learn a new language and improve math and communication skills. The apps can also help students to complete assignments.

Additionally;

  1. They make it easy to access further information

Students can use cell phones to access more information on a topic. For example, during class discussions, students can research more on a current event. This is good because such information may not be covered in textbooks.

  1. They serve as a memory aid

Students can use cell phones to review notes for quizzes and tests. So, they should be allowed to use their phones to take notes in class. Some high schools allow this. This is especially in science class. Students are allowed to take photos of plants, creatures, and document some laboratory work.

  1. They promote independence

When cell phones are allowed in the classroom, teachers will act as facilitators. This is because students will be in charge of their learning.

Why Students Should NOT Be Allowed To Have Cell Phones In Elementary and High Schools

We have provided 5 reasons why we should allow students to have cell phones. But we also have reasons why students should not have cell phones in school. These include;

  • Cell phones can distract students in the class

It would be hard for elementary and high school students to control their use of phones in class.  The possibility of checking for notifications during a lesson is high. Even adults find it hard to forget their phones. They keep checking them for notifications. For elementary kids, they may be tempted to play games in class. Others will not play but think about how they will play the game better after class. All of this will distract students from learning.

  • Cell phones discourage social interaction

Cell phones have succeeded in discouraging social interaction. If students bring their phones to school, they will not learn about social interaction. If students do not learn socialization skills, they will have challenges as adults. Students should know when to put away their phones. This way, they will learn how to interact with others and make new friends.

  • Cell phones increase the risk of cyberbullying

The rate of cyberbullying is going up. There are many immature people in social media whose work is to bully others. Imagine a student bullied while in class? Would they concentrate on schoolwork? The answer is no! He will will have low concentration and will become upset.

Further;

  • Cell phones may lead to poor grades

When students bring their phones to school, they will have many distractions. This includes a lot of information to process. Storing the learned information can be a challenge. Students may also not do their school work. This is because they may spend more time on their phones at school. This leads to dropped grades.

  • Allowing cell phones may promote inequality in school

Allowing cell phones in schools may promote inequality. This is because some kids will come with expensive cell phones. On the other hand, kids from less privileged families may come with cheap gadgets. This would bring in the issue of class in schools. It can also reduce self-esteem for kids with cheap phones. When children grow in such an environment, promoting equality in the future would be a challenge.

  • Cell phones may promote disrespect to teachers

Some students may use their cell phones when the teacher is talking. This is disrespectful. Some students even pass phones to other students to watch a funny video. This is disgraceful to teachers.

Final thoughts

The debate on whether to allow cell phones in schools or not will continue. This is because there is no definite conclusion to the debate. Some people will support the banning of cell phones in schools. Others feel elementary and high school students should carry their phones to school.The best decision in this case would be one that supports the wellbeing of the kids.

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