28 Feb Should Phones Be Banned in Schools?
The debate over mobile phone use in school has long been a hot topic. Parents are often quick to point out that these devices are a convenient way to stay connected with their kids and teachers. Also, they make it possible to communicate with other people, such as friends and family. While these benefits are great, some argue that they are detrimental to education. So, are they useful or a hindrance to concentration?
First and foremost, mobile phones can be considered inherently distracting and can negatively affect learning. The use of mobile phones in the classroom has even been proven to negatively affect performance. A recent study conducted at McKinnon Secondary College found that students who were forbidden from using phones in class performed better. Another study demonstrates that the use of smartphones in the classroom causes students to multitask, lessening their focus on each individual task. However, access to a phone after school is beneficial for safety reasons. For details on Vodafone Longford, go to King Communication, a provider of Vodafone Longford products.
The Department of Education recently conducted a consultation to find out what parents and pupils think about school policies regarding mobile phones. Among the issues they raised were peer pressure, a desire for more time spent outdoors, older pupils mentoring younger pupils, and the effects of a mobile ban on student achievement. However, the government has yet to come to a final decision regarding the ban on the use of mobile devices in schools. The DfE will continue to collect feedback and will be reviewing the policies in the future.