How Are School Smartphone Bans Going?

EdSurge Articles

by Jeffrey R. Young

Oct 22, 2024

In the article "How Are School Smartphone Bans Going?" by Jeffrey R. Young, the effectiveness of new school policies that restrict smartphone usage during instructional time is explored, with insights from teachers and administrators. As schools across the U.S. seek to improve student engagement and reduce the negative effects of social media on mental health, many have adopted smartphone bans. These policies are designed to minimize distractions and improve the focus of students during class, with varying levels of restriction depending on the school district or state.

The Impact of Smartphone Bans

Angela Fleck, a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Glover Middle School in Spokane, Washington, describes the dramatic shift in her classroom after the district implemented a smartphone ban. Before the policy, nearly every student had a phone, and many would covertly use them during lessons, often for social media or texting. This led to distractions, disengagement during group activities, and even conflicts between students, which were often fueled by drama spread through messaging apps like Snapchat. Fleck notes that despite her efforts to make lessons engaging, she struggled to maintain student attention as many were more focused on their devices than on learning.

However, since the ban, Fleck observes a significant improvement in her students' focus and engagement. She no longer competes with buzzing phones, and her students are more prepared to participate in class activities. Additionally, she reports fewer altercations among students, suggesting that the ban has had positive effects on school culture beyond academics.

A Nationwide Trend

Spokane Public Schools is not alone in implementing these changes. Across the U.S., many schools and at least four states — Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida — have enacted bans on smartphones during instructional time. While these policies vary, they share a common goal: reducing distractions and improving student well-being. In some districts, such as Spokane, smartphones are allowed during non-instructional times like lunch or between classes in high schools, while elementary and middle schools have more stringent restrictions.

Balancing Instructional Needs with Restrictions

Despite the positive outcomes, Fleck acknowledges that the smartphone ban comes with trade-offs. Before the ban, she often used smartphones as a teaching tool, allowing students to take pictures of slides or quickly research topics during lessons. With the new restrictions, she has had to adapt by using classroom computers or school-issued laptops for research and other activities. This adjustment illustrates the challenge educators face in maintaining instructional flexibility while adhering to new policies.

Adam Swinyard, superintendent of Spokane Public Schools, also recognizes these trade-offs but believes the benefits outweigh the losses. He explains that while smartphones can be powerful pedagogical tools, the increase in student engagement and focus due to the ban is more valuable. Swinyard emphasizes that teaching students the appropriate "time and place" for smartphone use is essential, much like how adults limit their phone usage in professional settings.

Pushback and Concerns

Not all schools have seen smooth implementation of smartphone bans. Some students and parents have pushed back, particularly in schools that enforce strict zero-tolerance policies, prohibiting smartphone use even during social times like lunch. For example, at Jasper High School in Plano, Texas, more than 250 people signed a petition urging the principal to revise an all-day smartphone ban, arguing that phones were an important social connection during breaks.

Parents have also expressed concerns about not being able to reach their children during emergencies, such as school shootings. However, a Pew Research Center survey found that a majority of Americans (7 in 10) support banning smartphones during class, while only about a third favor an all-day ban.

Conclusion

The article concludes by emphasizing that the success of smartphone bans depends on how well the policies are designed and communicated to students and parents. Clear guidelines and consistent enforcement are crucial, and schools must strike a balance between limiting distractions and maintaining the flexibility to use technology as an educational tool. For schools considering smartphone restrictions, thoughtful planning and open communication are key to ensuring that the policies achieve their intended goals.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com