In schools across the globe students and staff are experiencing how daily phone use affects learning, communication, and focus. With phones becoming more common amongst teens it sparks a question whether or not it should be allowed in the classroom.

According to the Congressional Digest  95% of teens have their own cell phones. Students often use their phones to check notifications, their calendar, and infinite campus to check their grades. However, according to research phones can be a huge distraction in the classroom for both students and teachers.

Students find having their phones allows for easier communication. Many students find that communicating via phone is easier and more efficient. Many students use their phones to create group chats for a school project or give a potential friend their number to create an opportunity for a new friendship.

A benefit to having phones during the school day is to be able to contact loved ones during the day and especially during a school wide emergency. Students often feel a sense of comfort when they have their phones knowing that in case they need it they could talk to parents or authorities if necessary. 

“I would like to have my phone during the day to be able to talk to my parents during an emergency,” Mia Conaway, a sophomore, said. 

Students also find that having their phones during the day allows them to focus better during class and helps soothe stress and anxiety. Many students find music a good way to block out distractions and fully immerse themselves during independent work time. 

“I think that they should be allowed because it helps me focus, or if you have anxiety I know that it is really helpful to be listening to music,” Angela Smith, a senior, said.

However, others argue that students having their phone during the day is detrimental to the learning environment. Some argue that even the presence of a phone can pull students’ attention away from the lesson.According to the online Encyclopedia Britannica, “The mere presence of a cell phone takes up mental space, which leaves a person with a lowered capacity and analytic ability for other tasks.” Common Sense Media shows that notifications and social media use can interrupt students’ focus during instructional time. Once that initial focus is gone many students find it hard to reengage with the lesson. As well as many teachers find it hard to re-explain the lesson to disengaged students with their already limited time.

 Even so many school professionals argue that children having their phones during an emergency can be dangerous. This perspective is shown when the author of Times Union states 

According to an article titled “Phone-free schools protect kids during emergencies” by Melinda Person and Craig Apple from Times Union, “With phones in their hands, students will be tempted to contact their family and friends, blurring communication lines when emergency responders need clarity.”

A recent study done by the  Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that one in four teens (25.9%) with four or more hours of screen time struggle with depression and anxiety. Whereas in teens with 4 hours or less only 9.4% struggled with the same problems.

 As technology evolves so does the controversy of if phones and other digital devices should be allowed in schools. School districts are still trying to figure out how phones will be managed which will depend on open communication and clear expectations from students, parents, and teachers. Finding a healthy balance to ensure technology supports learning without becoming the center of it.