The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Another school has banned mobile phones but research shows bans don't stop bullying or improve student grades

  • Written by Joanne Orlando, Researcher: Digital Literacy and Digital Wellbeing, Western Sydney University
Another school has banned mobile phones but research shows bans don't stop bullying or improve student grades

This week, one Sydney high school made headlines[1] for banning mobile phones during school hours. Phones can come to school but must stay in locked pouches allowing teachers to “focus on educating students”.

This follows other recent phone bans at both public and private schools[2] around Australia. In 2020, Victoria banned phones[3] for all state primary and secondary schools and many private schools, while prestigious Sydney girls school SCEGGS Darlinghurst banned phones[4] in May 2022.

This is part of a worldwide trend[5]. In a move popular with parents, schools and governments see phone bans as a way to fix bullying[6] and student disengagement.

But research shows[7] banning doesn’t resolve these problems. Instead, we need to educate students about how to manage these problems.

Schools in the firing line

Schools have certainly been thrown into the firing line when it comes to helping young people grapple with technology. Anecdotally, phone bans are supposed to ensure[8] students behave better and pay more attention in class.

However, genuinely resolving issues like these in the long term is not simple. Removing one variable – a phone – cannot address the complexity needed to resolve them.

Read more: Banning mobile phones in schools: beneficial or risky? Here's what the evidence says[9]

The purpose of school is to support children to develop the skills, knowledge and dispositions needed for the era in which they live.

Given we live in a digital era, the question we should be asking is not, “should we ban phones or not”. It should be how can schools support young people to engage with technology in an empowered and positive way? And where does banning mobile phones fit into this?

The research says bans don’t work

From talking to teachers for my work, I know that phones in classrooms can be frustrating. If phones are not silenced or turned over, students can be momentarily distracted if a notification comes up.

But rigorous peer-reviewed research shows banning mobile phones in class have no impact on students’ academic performance. It does not harm or improve academic results in the long-term. A 2020 Swedish study[10] examined high school students grade points (or marks) before and after a year-long mobile phone ban and found no impact.

Despite concerns, research shows mobile phones have generally been found[11] not to disrupt teachers instructing students. This is because students mostly pick them up between tasks or at the end of lessons.

Research also tells us[12] traditional (in-person) bullying continues to be more prevalent than cyberbullying around the world. So, removing one device for six hours a day will not stop bullying.

When thinking about phones in schools, there are three bigger issues we need to think about, beyond simply banning them at the school gate.

1. Living in a distracting world

A 2018 Udemy survey[13] found 36% of millennials and Gen Z employees spend more than two hours checking their smartphones for personal activities during the workday. In real terms, the 40 hour week has turned into a 30 hour work week, plus ten hours on your phone.

So, we know students need to learn how to work and be productive when they are in a technology-immersed world.

This is not to say classrooms should become a free-for-all TikTok fest whenever students feel the urge to go online. But we need to support children to learn how to concentrate and function in a digitally-saturated world.

2. New risks and changes to old ones

The digital era has introduced some risks and changed the nature of others and we need to specifically educate students about these.

Privacy risks have also morphed and follow us almost everywhere we go. Recent research[14] by Internet Study Lab suggests 95% of educational apps used in schools collect personal data about students that is then on sold to third parties.

Students also need to be able to identify misinformation, manage algorithmic bias[15], understand commercial profiling and watch out for social isolation. And bullying of course now occurs online[16] and follows children beyond the school gate.

Locking phones in pouches may be a short-term solution, but young people will still face these complex, technology-related issues, perhaps as soon as on the way home from school.

3. Treating children with respect

Over COVID lockdowns there was enormous reliance on children to use their devices to learn, socialise and stay mentally well. Now we are (mostly) back to normal and suddenly, young people are no longer to be trusted with a screen in the context of their schooling.

Not only is this confusing for young people, it sets up a dynamic where something they need to use everyday is seen now seen as “wrong” or “harmful”.

Read more: Kids need to learn about cybersecurity, but teachers only have so much time in the day[17]

We need to build trust with young people and empower them with skills and positive habits to use technology well in ways that will enhance their life.

Obviously this adds more pressure and work to already stretched schools, but if phones are going to be banned, they can’t just be ignored in the classroom. There needs to be specific lessons or instruction on the issues around them.

This is no longer a “screentime[18]” conversation. We need new knowledge and new education strategies if children are to thrive online post-COVID and beyond.

References

  1. ^ made headlines (www.smh.com.au)
  2. ^ private schools (www.smh.com.au)
  3. ^ banned phones (www.premier.vic.gov.au)
  4. ^ banned phones (www.smh.com.au)
  5. ^ worldwide trend (bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  6. ^ bullying (www.lismorecitynews.com.au)
  7. ^ research shows (www.sciencedirect.com)
  8. ^ supposed to ensure (www.lismorecitynews.com.au)
  9. ^ Banning mobile phones in schools: beneficial or risky? Here's what the evidence says (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ 2020 Swedish study (www.sciencedirect.com)
  11. ^ generally been found (www.diva-portal.org)
  12. ^ tells us (dx.doi.org)
  13. ^ Udemy survey (research.udemy.com)
  14. ^ research (internetsafetylabs.org)
  15. ^ algorithmic bias (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ occurs online (www.oecd-ilibrary.org)
  17. ^ Kids need to learn about cybersecurity, but teachers only have so much time in the day (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ screentime (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/another-school-has-banned-mobile-phones-but-research-shows-bans-dont-stop-bullying-or-improve-student-grades-188435

The Times Features

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Building A Strong Foundation For Any Structure

Building a home or commercial building can be very exciting. The possibilities are endless and the future is interesting. You can always change aspects of the building to meet the ...

The Role of a Family Dentist: Why Every Household Needs One

source A family dentist isn’t like your regular dentist who may specialise in a particular age group and whom you visit only when something goes wrong. A family dentist takes proa...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping