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Almost every day there are reports of cyberbullying in the news. Combine this with the fact that victims of cyberbullying often suffer significant consequences, and it is not surprising that most parents equate social media with something that is bad for kids.

And while it is important for parents to instill healthy habits surrounding social media use-including limiting and monitoring time online-it is also important to recognize that social media is not a bad thing. It only becomes a bad thing when people misuse it for bullying, public shaming, and rumor spreading. In fact, research shows there are numerous benefits to social media use.

Benefits of Social Media for Youth

While the overuse of electronics and social media can certainly be a problem, there are also numerous potential benefits of social media for youth, including the following:

Strengthening friendships

Motivating kids to do good

Reducing feelings of isolation

Becoming a source of support

Building a platform

Encouraging personal expression

Accessing information

Social Media Can Strengthen Friendships

There is no doubt that friendships are a key component of teen life. When kids have healthy friendships, they not only feel accepted for who they are, but they also feel more empowered and connected to the world around them. Friends also can speak truth into their lives and encourage them to explore their dreams.

What's more, research has shown that having at least one solid friendship can go a long way in preventing bullying. In fact, bullies often target teens that are alone or isolated. But teens that have a core group of friends often have a built-in layer of protection from bullying.

More than half of teens believe that social media helps their friendships.

According to a survey by Common Sense Media, 52% of teens felt that social media improved their friendships and only 4% felt it hurt them. Additionally, the study found that nearly 30% of social media users believe that social networking makes them feel more confident and outgoing.

Social Media Is a Vehicle for Doing Good

Whether teens are developing fundraisers or supporting an important cause, social media can help them make an impact in their communities. Some social movements have started when teens leveraged social media to build awareness for an issue.

Whether they make YouTube videos or develop Twitter campaigns, teens have more impact on the world around them because of social media. Moreover, their voices are being heard more frequently.

Social media also exposes kids to important issues all over the world, not just those in their communities. As a result, they realize that social media is a way for them to help and support people even from far away. They can instantaneously make an impact on things like hunger in Africa, preserving the rain forest, or providing educational tools for kids without resources.

Social Media Reduces Feelings of Isolation

While social media can make adults feel lonelier, researchers are finding the opposite may be true for teens. One study found that even though teens have fewer friends than teens did a decade ago, they still report feeling less lonely than their counterparts. They also report feeling less isolated. Researchers suggest that the difference is social media and technology.

As teens find their niche, they are becoming more individualistic and more extroverted and have higher self-esteem. This increased individuality makes teens more secure in existing friendships and reduces feelings of loneliness overall. This is especially true if those friendships are healthy.

This research also suggests that teens are developing stronger social skills due to social media use. As technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, solid online communication skills are important. Through social media, teens learn how to navigate social networking sites and other methods of online communication. This makes them better communicators in an increasingly digital world.

Social Media Is a Source of Authentic Support

Years ago, if teens were interested in a quirky subject or were grappling with who they were as a person, they often felt marginalized and alone. Today, teens can connect with others that share similar interests, desires, and concerns. This connection helps them feel validated and secure in who they are.

Another way teens are finding support is through online communities. For instance, kids struggling with issues like drug addiction and eating disorders now can find help and support online without ever having to leave their homes. This is especially helpful for teens in small communities or rural areas where resources may be limited.

Teens experiencing suicide ideation can even get immediate access to quality online support. One example of online support occurred when a Reddit Minecraft community talked a teen out of suicide. Aside from posting positive comments and messages, more than 50 of the users used voice conferencing to persuade the teen not to go through with it. This is a perfect example of how social media and technology can benefit teens today.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

Social Media Can Build a Platform

Your teen can use social media to begin developing an online presence that can attract the attention of colleges and future employers. For instance, some teens make YouTube videos or write blog posts on topics they are passionate about.

A young teen who has a passion for reading and writing might publish book reviews or film videos with their thoughts, ideas, and comments. As their work gains traction online, they may even develop a following which could include authors, literary agents, and publishers.

Then, when this teen applies for college, they can reference their social media accounts on college applications. This work demonstrates their creativity and maturity, but also shows that they are a self-starter.

Building a platform on social media can open a lot of doors for teens and help them build a positive online reputation. It also can expose them to college scholarships, college networks, and even a future career. And it can change their perspective on social media. It's no longer just a place to post silly pictures or observe digital drama. It becomes a tool they can use to share their passions and eventually find a career path.​

Social Media Allows for Personal Expression

Digital technology is the perfect tool for channeling creativity and personal expression. Whether kids enjoy singing, writing, or acting, they can share these talents with the world around them. Kids who enjoy fashion, make-up trends, or craft projects also can express themselves online. Providing this avenue of self-expression is important for teens.

Research shows that there is a direct connection between self-expression and self-confidence. When kids are given avenues for being authentic and true to themselves, they become content with who they are and happier overall.

By contrast, when they do not have many opportunities to express themselves or they do not know people with the same passions or interests, they begin to wonder if there is something wrong with them. They also question why they are not like everyone else.

Social Media Is a Tool for Gathering Information

Social media has become a source of information and news for many teens. Once they begin social networking, they can follow just about anyone with a social media account. From authors and athletes to celebrities, chefs, nonprofit organizations, and magazines, they are connected to all sorts of information.

Teens also can gather information about issues that impact them or their friends. For instance, if they are concerned a friend might have an eating disorder or a drug addiction, they can gather information about it. Or, if they want to learn more about a presidential election, climate change, or even find new ways to eat healthily, they can do so on their social media accounts.

A Word From Verywell

Overall, social media does not have to be scary. Even though it can be exploited by kids who bully others, instilling good digital etiquette and maintaining an open dialogue about online safety can go a long way in keeping kids safe online.

As a parent, make sure you are nurturing the positive aspects of social media as well as discussing the dangers. By doing so, you will help your kids develop social media savvy, a skill that will ultimately help them in the years to come.

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Why Social Media Is More Than a Vehicle for Cyberbullying With Teens

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Parents often assume social media is a bad thing. But there are some surprising benefits to its use among teenagers. Here's what you need to know.

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Technology advancements have been a blessing to human beings, and today, computers and mobile devices have become a part of our daily lives. The internet is also a part of the technology that many of us have come to appreciate. Basically, in this day and age, it is the internet that makes the world go round. Social media, for instance, is a part of the internet that has created a greater avenue for people to interact across the globe. Nowadays, social media negative effects are not unknown. Sadly, our teenagers and adolescents have taken on the use of social media to the extent that it can have some very severe effects on their overall well-being if not monitored or restricted.

The Negatives of Social Media

There are several advantages and disadvantages of social media in our life and society. It affects teens very easily.

Thus, it is important to know how does social media affect teens. The effects of social media on teens can be dangerous. Take a look at the negative effects of social media on teenagers.

The Negative Effects of Social Media on Teenagers

How does social media affect teenagers? We should acknowledge that teenagers and adolescents are extremely vulnerable to certain growth and developmental aspects of life. And therefore, the effects that social media usage has on these children should be of particular importance to every knowing adult. The negative impacts of social media should be noticed on time.

As much as social media is known to a great social network tool, its evils in society cannot be overlooked. Adolescents and teenagers especially are susceptible to potential harm posed by social media usage. If not recognized on time and handled, these negative impacts of social media can be risky to the health and social well-being of your adolescent children.

The negative effects of social media on teens/negative impact of social media on youth are as following;

1. Facebook Depression

Facebook depression is an emotional disturbance associated with social media usage. When a teenager is made to feel inferior to their social media counterparts, they often fall into a depression commonly referred to as a Facebook depression. The need to stand out, fit in, or be accepted by their Facebook friends drives teenagers towards this form of emotional disturbance.

2. Anxiety

We are more curious about knowing what other people are doing rather than spending time for ourselves. Those who spend more time on social media become victims of depression and anxiety because it adversely affects the thought processes and mood.

Good mental health is important for study, career, and personal life. Thus, it is recommended to spend only a half-hour per day instead of wasting your whole day.

3. Cyberstalking

Nowadays, cyberstalking has become an issue. We have already covered a few articles related to Facebook stalking, Instagram Stalking, and WhatsApp Stalking.

Smartphones are connecting people. But, the negative effects of smartphones on youth can be seen today. If you're always sharing your location, then social media friends know where you are. Teenagers are used to updating their status, share what they're watching, listening to, reading, and where they check-ins. This habit becomes an addiction and makes them hyperactive because they always look for new updates from their friends. They check every notification and alert to respond because they believe responding on time is necessary.

Teenagers find new friends on social media and never take a rest. Such connections are virtual but can produce anxiety and cause depression. Some teenagers feel lonely when their virtual friend is not online or responds on time. They took everything seriously, any status update or text.

Parents must make healthy conversations with their kids and guide them on how to deal with the situation. Especially teenagers require the full attention of their parents.

4. Cyberbullying

A cyberbully is the use of social media to communicate false, embarrassing, or hostile information to specific users. Among the major effects of social media, cyberbullying is an evil that has become such an atypical today. Victims of prolonged cyber-bullying often end up with psychosocial problems like depression, isolation, loneliness, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and some even become suicidal.

The lack of a mechanism to unravel users behind cyberbullying accounts is what is making these activities rampant.

How to manage the effects of cyberbullying?

Understand these effects and the risk they pose to teenagers.

Familiarize yourself with these social media platforms.

Get informed on what drives teens to seek social media attention.

Establish excellent communication with your teenage child on the same.

Set ground rules on the usage of social media.

If need be to get a monitoring app for social media on your child's device.

5. Sleep Deprivation

Social media is among the leading causes of sleep deprivation in teens today. They are constantly worried about what their friends are posting and sharing. Adolescents can stay active on social for longer durations if not prompted to stop. And if they do these, especially during sleep time or just before sleep, then there is a high possibility of their sleep being disrupted. The readings can help you understand the importance of sleep and the associated risks of sleep loss.

There a few apps to track your sleep patterns. You can check the Google Play or Apple App Store.

6. Lower Self-esteem

Most teen girls start comparing themselves with celebrities after spending time on social media and want to look slim, pretty, and rich like them. It is normal to copy those persons they admire or consider a role model in the teenage. This imitation can negatively affect their self-respect and dignity. Different studies' outcomes are that girls who spend more time on social media to portray themselves like celebrities are isolated from friend circles. Their friends do not accept them.

7. Social Isolation

There is a statistical relationship between the use of social media and social isolation. When teenagers see pictures or videos of a party where they were not invited, it can bring anxiety. It is known as "fear of missing out" or FOMO. Most of the time, teenage children believe they are connecting to different persons using social media, but actually, they are out of the present moment and their lives. It can become a cause to feel more isolated and a reason for FOMO.

8. Impractical Expectations

You won't be surprised if I say Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat are the reason for impractical expectations and friendships. You can not cross-check the authenticity of other's activities.

Nobody should lie on social media in an ideal situation, but showbiz and promotion strategies are not going to change shortly. Instagram and YouTube celebrities, including influencers, are bind to such strategies to attract audiences.

9. Poor Concentration

Today negative effects of social media on students can be seen easily. Different tasks, such as schoolwork, classwork, or homework, require more concentration to deal with something important, but now teenagers have a habit of simultaneously using social media. Most of them consider it multitasking, but it is not. Researches show constant interruption has an adverse effect on attention and reduces learning and performance.

10. Decreased Activity

Teenagers who use social media heavily do not spend enough time on activities that definitely increase mental abilities, skills, and physical movement. Those who exercise daily, their body releases endorphins that signal our brain to stay positive and reduce depression. Thus decreased activities reduce the secretion of endorphins, and it is causing depression, a common problem.

11. Internet Addiction

Uncontrolled social media usage among teens can lead to internet addiction. The more time kids spend on social media, the more they become exposed to new stories and ideas they want to explore. This habit eventually turns into an addiction that, if not handled early, can affect their school performance, mental health, and even personal development.

Do you feel sad if not get likes on your social media content? How do you feel when not open your social media account for a day? What's the real feeling when your followers drop? Is there a negative feeling when someone unfollows you? These are some check-points to check your addiction level.

12. Suicide and Self-harm Content

Social media is not only addictive but can also lead to suicide and self-harm. Teenagers on the internet can do anything to receive attention. When youth see someone is getting attention by doing self-harm activity, they copycat without a second thought. They do it to show their bravery or because of poor mental health.

The situation worsens when they start sharing suicide methods and encourage others to engage in suicidal behavior. Researches and case studies show suicide is contagious and can spread through social networks. When a person notices the suicide attempt or death, it stimulates that person's risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts.

The Solution to Social Media Addiction

If a teenager is addicted to social media, it is our responsibility to talk about social media detox. But, how to measure addiction? There are some signs for taking a break from social media. You need to identify them on time. Here you can learn how a social media break can improve your mental health?

We have prepared a list of potentially dangerous apps parents should know about. You should learn about these inappropriate apps to save your teens from unknown dangers.

Thanks for this reading - the negative impact of social media on youth.

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The Negative Effects of Social Media on Teenagers, Youth or Adolescents

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Technology advancements have been a blessing to human beings, and today, computers and mobile devices have become a part of our daily lives. The internet is also a part of the technology that many of us have come to appreciate. Basically, in this day and age, it is the internet that makes the world go round.

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Only on the scene since 2016, TikTok has become a major player in the world of social media. Considering how many platforms there are to distract people of all ages, making a significant impact on users is no small feat. With the ability to post quick videos of dancing, short skits, and provocative tidbits, TikTok has attracted an audience of over one billion users around the world. Considered so dangerous at one point, and even a possible spy tactic by the Chinese government, President Trump nearly banned its use in the U.S. during his administration.

According to BBC.com, "TikTok's secret lies in its use of music and an extraordinarily powerful algorithm, which learns what content users like to see far faster than other apps." With its enormous database of movie clips, filters, and songs to lip-sync to, TikTok users can become hooked on its avenues of creativity. The platform is greatly appealing to the under-25 population, with Instagram and Twitter attracting older users.

The teenagers that fall into the under-25 age group are arguably an influenceable bunch. Teenagers may be susceptible to the downfalls of any social media platform since they are more likely to lack discernment at a young age. So just what kind of negative impact is TikTok having on the mental health of this population?

1. TikTok Can Lead to Bullying - Anytime a person puts their content and opinions on a social media platform, they open themselves up to bullying. A large number of young people using TikTok increases the likelihood a teenager will encounter this issue. For example, their videos could be ridiculed and then shared with other students. Bullying has an enormous impact on a teenager's well-being. The alienation caused by bullying is well known to create enough negative mental health effects to even lead to suicide.

2. TikTok Can Lead to Addiction -The stream of material available to teenagers on TikTok is quite literally endless. When young people are glued to their phones watching one enticing video after another for hours on end, addiction is bound to occur. The negative impact of addiction to anything is clear. There are chemicals in the brain that become involved that make putting the phone down almost impossible. The mental impact of never turning away from the screen, in terms of what that does to in-person social connection, is severe.

3. TikTok Can Lead to Unhealthy Comparisons with Others - Getting likes and followers is a major component of social media and TikTok. If a student puts up a video that doesn't get very much attention and then looks at a similar video that garners a greater response, a student is likely to feel negative as they compare themselves against this, potentially leading to anxiety and depression. What this leads to is young people making more and more outrageous and dangerous videos to be more accepted. The mental effect of never being good enough takes a toll.

4. TikTok Can Be Used by Predators - Like other avenues of social media, TikTok allows strangers direct access to children through messaging options. This sets up a perfect avenue for predators to manipulate. TikTok does not restrict anyone from joining, and with children making their presence so clear on the app, it sets up a perfect environment to prey upon those children making videos. Some might think that young people will know the difference between a creepy person messaging them and a regular admirer, but many predators are skilled at grooming children. Once a child is under the trappings of one of these types of people, their mental health is at extreme risk.

5. TikTok Can Lead to Self-Harm and Eating Disorders - Issues like these are prevalent among teenagers. Since many young people who struggle mentally face these disorders, they will talk about this subject matter with some frequency on TikTok. While this is good in some way, it can also introduce these concepts to a very impressionable population. Instead of talking to an adult, they may turn to another teenager who is clueless about how to deal with their feelings.

6. TikTok Can Expose Kids to Traumatic Content - One feature of TikTok is its endless stream of suggested clips. While seemingly harmless in its original intent, it can lead to dark places. For example, if a teen is watching videos about the military or hunting, TikTok may quickly direct them to clips about serial killers or murders. The mental impact of seeing disturbing images can have a harmful impact on a child's well-being.

Parents have every right to be concerned about the number of hours that their kids spend on TikTok.Where possible, parents should learn to utilize parental controls over the TikTok app and should monitor the content that their kids are viewing.

It may also be helpful for parents to create their own TikTok account, if they don't already have one, and ask their teenagers to show them what they like about it. Connecting with their children in this way is the first step to understanding the attraction of this platform.It can also help open up a dialogue to talk about its potentially negative impacts on their mental health.

New Dimensions Can Help!

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796 .

Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

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The Negative Impact of TikTok on the Mental Health of Teenagers - New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers

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Only on the scene since 2016, TikTok has become a major player in the world of social media. Considering how many platforms there are to distract people of all ages, making a significant impact on users is no small feat.

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Social Media: The Pros and Cons for Teens

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Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health? | Bailey Parnell | TEDxRyersonU

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Although much of the public debate is against it, there are pros associated with allowing cell phones in school. These advantages should not be ignored since cell phones in schools can actually add value to the educational experience, rather than simply be a detriment to it.

Instant Communication

Although you hope that you will never have to do this, you sometimes need to get in contact with your school-aged child while they are in class. This could be because of a death in the family, an accident or other family emergency that may require his or her attention or attendance.

By being able to call your child directly, you also help alleviate the workload of the school's administrative team.

Phones are also particularly useful during recess and lunch hours when students aren't in class and may be difficult to find.

The problems with knowing where your children are after school could also be reduced if parents had the ability to call them and vice versa.

Text messages can make communicating easy and discreet.

Learning Aid

Students who have a smartphone can use various applications designed for students to assist in learning. Many of these smartphones have programs that are similar to what is found on a laptop or desktop computer. Being able to look up facts quickly on the internet is possible on many phones.

If a student needs assistance with classwork and does not have access to a computer, a smartphone can be used in a snap. In fact, the National Education Association reports that cell phones can often be cost effective for schools that cannot afford to purchase technology for all students.

Memory Aids

Studies show that cell phones can be beneficial to students when reviewing and studying for exams or tests. Most cell phones have a camera these days, so children can use these to take pictures in class. This is great for science class, for example, where they may be exposed to certain creatures, plants and other things that they probably won't encounter anywhere else. This is much more effective that simply producing a quick sketch.

Pictures can also be useful to:

Reviewing photos later can help students better understand the procedure in metalwork, woodwork or other hands-on courses.

Voice Notes

The voice recording feature of cell phones can be beneficial to students who would like a quick way to keep track of what they need to do. After all, students may not always have immediate access to a notepad, so using a cell phone to "jot down" important information can be helpful. There are numerous voice memo apps that can be useful for both teachers and students in a classroom.

GPS Tracking

GPS tracking can be a benefit of cell phones to parents who want to be able to keep tabs on their children's whereabouts. Use GPS to track a cell phone can provide peace of mind to concerned parents and teachers if a student is reported missing or has gone somewhere of concern. GPS tracking can also inform parents that their children have arrived to and from school safely.

Classroom Collaboration

Cell phones can assist in providing a modern alternative to standard teaching and can encourage student participation. For example:

The website platform Poll Everywhere permits teachers to create poll questions to which students can respond via their cell phones.

Students can also use cell phones to collaborate with each other and also to connect with children in other schools or geographic areas.

They can also connect students to specialists in specific subjects for assistance or advice.

Promotes Student Independence

Enabling students to use their phones in the classroom inherently develops trust between the students and their teacher. Although phones can cause distraction, creating highly engaging lesson plans where the students are actively using their phones to find answers can be a great way to promote healthy cell phone usage for the purpose of learning.

Fosters Trust Between Students and Teachers

Teachers that allow students to use their cellphones in class must be able to trust that their students are participating appropriately. To do so, it's important to introduce engaging content, and monitor cell phone usage. This creates a great opportunity for teachers to model healthy cell phone usage for their students. This means that the teacher and students work together while using their cell phones during the lesson plan and disengage from using their phones when not appropriate.

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Pros of Cell Phones in School | LoveToKnow

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Although much of the public debate is against it, there are pros associated with allowing cell phones in school. These advantages should not be ignored since cell phones in schools can actually add value to the educational experience, rather than simply be a detriment to it.

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The dramatic rise in cell phone usage globally, including among younger, school-aged users, brings into focus the debate on why phones should be allowed in school.

Cell phones are a forbidden item in most classrooms. Many schools have policies against students taking their gadgets out of their backpacks during the day or even bringing them to school at all.

However, I think that cell phones can play a very beneficial role in a classroom, especially when used effectively. I've stretched the 'rules' in the past and let my students pull out their phones for various classroom lessons and activities, and I'm definitely glad I did!

Some also believe that allowing students to use phones in school teaches them responsible usage for later in life:

If we don't let kids use cell phones in the classroom, how will they ever learn to use them responsibly in a workplace? Every adult I know uses their phone all day every day. Let's prepare kids for the real world.

- Matthew B. Courtney, Ed.D. (@mbcourtneyedd) August 7, 2022

In addition to keeping my students more engaged in learning, using the gadgets offered a whole host of other benefits, many of which I didn't even think of until I saw them! I'd love to share my answers to the question "why should students be allowed to use cell phones in class" with you.

In this article, I'll share:

You can watch this video below. It contains a brief retelling of the article.

Cell Phones in School - Teachers' Thoughts

Many teachers and parents are on the fence about whether to let students have cell phones in school. More and more teachers are beginning to see the potential learning benefits mobile phones can offer to their students and are advocating for gadget use in the classroom. In this video, Sam from New EdTech Classroom Why we should allow students to use cell phones in schools.

Below are what some teachers have shared about using mobile phones in the classroom:

"We need to embrace these changes and instead of trying to separate that reality from an outdated vision of a classroom, we need to find a way to optimize the educational experience for the connected kids of the future. We can't disconnect them from the world between the hours of 8am - 3pm everyday. Don't be scared. You have to leave your comfort zone and take a risk. The same thing you ask your students to do. Take a risk and see what the future may look like and then change your teaching to ensure that the technology is used as a tool and not just a distraction."
-Tim Floyd, Education Awesomeness

"I've also seen the value that cell phones can bring to education. Students who might not have access to computers at home can type and submit essays on their phones. Students can quickly look up some information and verify its validity. Furthermore, students can also use their cell phones to collaborate with their peers."
-Christina, The Darling English Teacher

"When students have access to technology and social media, they have access to empowerment and leadership online. As educators, we need to empower our students to use technology for good. When students are given the chance to use their cellphones in class as a learning tool, we can teach them how to positively influence and impact other people online."
-Amanda, EDTech Endeavors

"When students have access to technology and social media, they have access to empowerment and leadership online. As educators, we need to empower our students to use technology for good. When students are given the chance to use their cellphones in class as a learning tool, we can teach them how to positively influence and impact other people online."
-A.J. Juliani, the Director of Technology & Innovation for Centennial School District

Why Should Phones be Allowed in School - 11 Reasons

There is a lot of debate about whether phones should be allowed in schools. While there are some cons to letting your students use cell phones in class, I feel that the benefits of using gadgets can outweigh these cons. As long as you have solid classroom management and set clear expectations for students using their mobile phones, I think you'll find that there are many benefits to letting your students use them.

Setting up a phone charging station, just as you may set up a tablet or Chromebook charging station in your classroom, can ensure your students' gadgets are charged and ready when needed during instruction.

Many people wonder, "why should students be allowed to use cell phones in class?" In my opinion, some of the biggest benefits of allowing students to use their phones in school include:

1. Providing an Additional Tool for Learning

In today's digital age, the ubiquity of mobile phones, especially among younger individuals, is undeniable. Most children receive their first phone around the age of 11-12, making these devices a prevalent part of their daily lives even before they hit their teenage years. The integration of these phones in the classroom, thus, presents a unique opportunity for enhancing the learning experience.

When students have the freedom to use their mobile phones during lessons, they instantly gain a portal to a world of technology right at their fingertips. This is invaluable, particularly in educational settings where there might be a shortage of tablets or computers. Instead of waiting for their turn on limited school devices, students can directly tap into the vast reservoir of information available online via their phones. Here are some of the benefits:

Powerful Research Tools: Mobile phones can be transformative tools for research. If a student encounters a concept they're unfamiliar with or if a topic sparks their curiosity, they can swiftly dive into a deeper exploration online.

Interactive Learning: Educators can capitalize on interactive elements by using phones for classroom polls, ensuring active engagement and participation from all students. It becomes an immediate feedback mechanism, gauging understanding and promoting discussions.

Note-Taking and Collaboration: With the myriad of note-taking and word-processing apps available, students can seamlessly jot down their thoughts, answers, or even craft detailed essays. This not only promotes paperless classrooms but also allows for easy sharing and collaboration among peers.

In essence, by harnessing the potential of mobile phones, educators can cultivate dynamic, interactive, and resource-rich environments that cater to the needs of the modern student.

2. Safety

In the context of safety and the unpredictable nature of emergencies, the presence of cell phones with students becomes of paramount importance. Particularly, in the gravest and unfortunately increasingly prevalent scenarios like school shootings, a mobile phone can serve as a lifeline. During such incidents, when every second is crucial, students can use their phones to alert authorities, inform their parents about their safety, or even receive vital instructions from law enforcement.

Phones are already banned. The parents are worried about these bans because of the very high chance there is a school shooting and their child is unable to call for help. https://t.co/TxpJfrUgJn

- Anosognosiogenesis (@pookleblinky) June 6, 2023

Schools, as places of learning, also bear the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of their students. Cell phones can be crucial in the subsequent scenarios:

Unpredictable Events: In the unfortunate event of an unforeseen incident or crisis at school, having immediate access to a cell phone can make a significant difference. One of the primary advantages is the ability to swiftly contact parents or guardians. Whether it's to inform them about an unexpected situation or to seek urgent assistance, being able to communicate directly can offer both the student and parent a measure of relief in stressful situations.

Commuting Students: For students who commute alone or those who remain on school premises for extracurricular activities, a mobile phone serves as an essential tool to stay connected.

Medical Emergencies: In situations where there might be a need for medical attention or other emergency services, the quick dialing capability of a phone can be life-saving. Without it, students may find themselves isolated and without the immediate resources to seek help.

While detractors may argue against the distractions phones might pose academically, the security and peace of mind they offer, especially in dire situations, make a compelling case for their presence in the school environment.

3. Improved Communication

In our rapidly evolving digital age, the line of communication between students and their educators is becoming increasingly streamlined thanks to the ubiquitous use of cell phones. Apart from maintaining connections with family and friends, students are harnessing the power of these devices to facilitate a more direct and immediate line of dialogue with their teachers. This virtual bridge enables students to:

Promptly relay their feedback to the teachers

Pose queries for immediate resolution

Engage in constructive discussions, irrespective of the confines of school hours

Even when teachers find themselves swamped during the day, mobile communication ensures that students aren't left hanging. Queries sent after school hours can be addressed at the teacher's earliest convenience, eliminating the conventional wait time that could span till the next school day. The immediacy of this system enhances the overall learning experience.

Interestingly, a study from the School of Business highlighted another crucial dimension to this trend. Beyond the teacher-student dynamic, students are proactively forming educational bonds with their peers through their phones. They often initiate and manage class-based groups on various social platforms, allowing for an organized exchange of study materials and collaborative learning, devoid of any official oversight. Such initiatives underscore the instrumental role cell phones play in modern education, fostering a holistic and communal approach to learning.

4. Organization

In today's digitally-driven world, cell phones have evolved beyond mere communication devices. They now function as personal assistants, packed with tools designed to enhance productivity and organization. For students, these devices can play a pivotal role in shaping their academic journey, thanks to an array of built-in features such as calendar apps, clocks, alarms, and reminders.

Here are the key features that can be beneficial for students:

Calendar App: It can be an invaluable tool for students to plot out their academic calendar, inputting assignment due dates, exam schedules, and even extracurricular commitments. With reminders set up, students receive timely prompts, ensuring that no task is forgotten or left to the last minute.

Alarms: They can be utilized not just to wake up for school but also to ensure punctuality for classes or study group meetings.

Clock: This feature can assist in time management, allowing students to allocate specific blocks of time for focused study, breaks, or recreational activities.

By planning and visualizing their day or week, students can achieve a balance between academic and personal commitments. This underlines why phones should be allowed in school, as cell phones, often perceived as distractions, can actually be powerful organizational tools. When used wisely, they can significantly enhance a student's ability to manage time, keep up with responsibilities, and maintain a balanced academic life.

5. Can Save Schools Money

The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the education sector, offering avenues for cost-saving and enhanced accessibility.

Here's how schools can leverage cell phones for economical and sustainable education:

E-books and Online Materials: A significant advantage is the rise of e-books and online course materials. By allowing students to access these digital resources via their cell phones, schools stand to benefit economically and environmentally. When students use their phones to tap into a plethora of e-books and other online resources, it significantly reduces the need for schools to invest in physical textbooks, which can be expensive to purchase, update, and maintain. This shift to digital not only alleviates financial pressures but also ensures that students have the most up-to-date information right at their fingertips.

Digital Document Sharing: Moreover, the digital sharing of documents by teachers further complements this eco-friendly and economical approach. Instead of relying on traditional methods of printing and copying, which come with associated costs and environmental concerns, educators can instantly distribute study materials, assignments, and other critical documents. This streamlined method reduces paper waste, aids in quicker dissemination of information, and fosters a more efficient classroom environment.

In conclusion, embracing the capabilities of cell phones in the academic realm presents a win-win scenario. It offers students the convenience and immediacy of digital access while allowing educational institutions to optimize resources, reduce costs, and promote sustainability.

6. Good for the Environment

The push towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach in education is becoming increasingly important, and digital transformation plays a pivotal role in this shift. By reducing the reliance on print resources and leveraging digital platforms, educational institutions are not only achieving significant financial savings but also contributing positively to environmental conservation.

Using gadgets in classrooms leads to:

Saving Paper: It's worth noting that a typical school consumes approximately 75 trees per year, further exacerbating the issues of deforestation. Every sheet of paper spared from printing translates to saved trees, which play an indispensable role in absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating global temperatures, and fostering biodiversity. By reducing the demand for paper, schools indirectly promote forest conservation and reduce their carbon footprint.

Reducing Ink and Energy Consumption: The cascading benefits extend beyond just paper conservation. Lesser printing implies reduced consumption of ink, which in turn means fewer plastic cartridges that often end up in landfills. The energy used by printers and copiers, though seemingly minor on a day-to-day basis, accumulates over time, leading to substantial power consumption. By cutting down on these activities, institutions also reduce their energy footprint and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.

In essence, embracing digital alternatives in education is not merely a cost-saving strategy; it's a declaration of commitment to the planet. Schools and educators, by opting for this approach, are not only preparing students for a digital future but also instilling in them the values of sustainability and responsible consumption.

7. Prepares Students for the Future

As educators, our primary responsibility extends beyond just imparting knowledge; it involves equipping students with skills and tools that will remain relevant in their future endeavors.

Undeniably, in the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, technology stands as a colossal pillar shaping numerous sectors. In such a milieu, it becomes imperative for students to not only be familiar with but also proficient in utilizing technological tools, including mobile phones. Here's what students can acquire that will be advantageous for their future:

Using Phones as Research Tools: Mobile phones, often perceived merely as communication tools, have metamorphosed into multifunctional devices capable of tasks ranging from basic research to complex problem-solving. By incorporating them into the classroom environment, we offer students a hands-on approach to understand and harness the vast potential these devices possess.

Enhancing Education through App-Based Learning: Moreover, phones serve as a practical tool to teach students how to study using technology, introducing them to a plethora of educational apps and online resources that can enhance their learning experiences.

Preparing for a Future Profession: Furthermore, as many future careers will demand technological adeptness, proficiency in using smartphones and other tech tools can be a significant advantage for students entering the workforce. They will inevitably encounter scenarios where quick thinking, complemented by technological skills, will be invaluable.

In conclusion, embracing mobile phones in educational settings is more than just keeping pace with the times; it's a forward-looking strategy. By doing so, we not only enhance the current learning experience but also lay a robust foundation for our students, ensuring they are well-prepared and competitive in their future careers.

8. Can Create Digitally Responsible Citizens

In an age dominated by digital communication, it's crucial to instill not only tech proficiency but also digital etiquette among students. Schools, as primary centers of learning and social interaction, have an essential role in shaping this aspect of students' digital journey. By permitting gadget use within school premises, we lay the groundwork for creating digitally responsible citizens.

Understanding the nuances of when and where to use a phone is paramount. Here's how educational institutions can guide students towards responsible digital citizenship:

Learning Digital Etiquette: In a professional setting or during crucial personal interactions, the inappropriate use of a mobile device can be perceived as disrespectful or inattentive. For instance, looking up and maintaining eye contact when someone addresses you demonstrates respect and active engagement, an essential soft skill in both professional and personal realms.

Providing Environment for Practice: The school environment offers a controlled and supervised platform where students can practice these etiquettes. They can learn to strike a balance between staying digitally connected and being physically present, discerning when to put away their devices and engage with their surroundings.

Without these lessons, students may inadvertently cultivate habits that may hinder their interpersonal relationships in the future. Thus, integrating digital etiquette into the curriculum doesn't just foster tech-savvy individuals; it molds well-rounded, respectful citizens adept at navigating the digital and real-world landscapes.

9. Can Help Students When Studying

In today's digital age, the traditional means of note-taking have undergone a transformative evolution, with smartphones emerging as invaluable tools in this process. The built-in camera on mobile phones offers students an efficient and immediate way to capture essential educational content, augmenting their learning experience. Here's how this can be helpful:

Capturing Visuals Efficiently: During lectures or instructional sessions, there are often intricate diagrams, charts, or images that may be time-consuming or challenging to replicate by hand in notebooks. Here, the mobile camera serves as a boon. With a quick snap, students can capture these visuals in high resolution, ensuring they don't miss out on any crucial details. This method not only saves time but also guarantees the accuracy of the information they're recording.

"In my classes, I let students take pictures of the digital whiteboard, too. If an assignment description or important PowerPoint slide has been up long enough and I am ready to move on, before doing so, I invite kids to snap a picture. This allows them to refer back to the slide at home if necessary."
-Chad Donohue, National Education Association

Reviewing and Studying: When it's time to review the material, be it for a quiz, exam, or class discussion, these photographic notes can be invaluable. Students can easily revisit these images, zooming in on specific details or annotating them with additional insights. This visual approach to studying aids in better retention of information and can make abstract or complex concepts more tangible and understandable.

In essence, the integration of mobile cameras into the educational process amplifies the efficiency of learning. By merging traditional note-taking with digital resources, students are equipped with a richer, more comprehensive set of study materials, paving the way for enhanced academic performance.

10. Accessibility and Personalized Learning

The rise of technology in the educational sector has ushered in a new era marked by accessibility and personalized learning, with cell phones being central to this revolution. The push to incorporate mobile phones in the classroom stems from the profound potential they hold in creating more inclusive and tailored educational experiences, for example:

Equal Opportunities: Accessibility is about ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, abilities, or challenges, has equal access to learning resources. Cell phones bridge this gap efficiently. For students with learning differences or physical disabilities, smartphones equipped with assistive technologies can be life-changing. Features like screen readers, voice-to-text capabilities, and adjustable text sizes ensure that content is accessible to all.

Personalization: Beyond accessibility, mobile phones enable personalized learning. With a myriad of educational apps and platforms available, students can pace their learning according to their individual needs. Whether it's diving deeper into topics of interest or taking additional time to grasp challenging concepts, smartphones allow for this flexibility. Teachers can also benefit, using these tools to offer differentiated instruction, catering to diverse learning styles and abilities within one classroom.

In conclusion, the allowance of cell phones in class isn't just about keeping up with the times; it's about championing a more egalitarian and individualized approach to education. By embracing this tool, educators can create a learning environment where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered.

11. Boosts Creativity and Innovation

In a world where creativity and innovation stand as pillars of progress, integrating cell phones into the classroom can act as a catalyst to spark these vital qualities in students. Permitting the use of these multifunctional devices within educational settings can usher in an era where boundaries of traditional learning are expanded, fostering a culture of imaginative thinking and inventive problem-solving:

Unlimited Canvas for Students: Cell phones are no longer just communication tools; they're compact hubs of unlimited resources and applications. From digital art platforms to music creation apps, coding environments to virtual reality experiences, the scope for exploration and creation is vast. When students are granted the freedom to utilize these tools, they are essentially handed a canvas with unlimited colors.

Boosting Creativity Through Autonomy: Research indicated that student creativity flourished the most under professors who permitted their pupils to engage in "tasks of their own choosing," particularly in devising innovative solutions via the development of educational apps. For instance, a literature student might create a visual representation of a poem, or a science enthusiast might design a virtual experiment. Such engagements not only solidify understanding but also encourage students to think outside the box, enhancing their creative prowess.

Collaborative Innovation: With the collaborative features many apps offer, students can work in groups, brainstorming and building upon each other's ideas. This collaborative innovation teaches them the essence of teamwork in creation.

In essence, understanding why phones should be allowed in school goes beyond merely embracing technology; it represents an opportunity for students to think differently, challenge norms, and innovate. It's about nurturing a generation of creators and innovators who are prepared to shape the future.

7 Ideas How Cell Phones Can Be Used Effectively in the Classroom

As we mentioned above, allowing students to use phones in the classroom can greatly benefit your instruction.

There are a number of ways you can use these technological tools to enhance your lessons and provide your students with access to resources they may otherwise not be able to use. Some of the top ways to effectively use cell phones in the classroom include:

1. Scanning QR Codes

Teachers can create QR codes to send students to a specific website where they can find important information. You can also use QR codes to let students self-check their work (multiple QR codes, with the one next to the correct answer directing students to the next question or problem to solve).

2. Using Educational Apps

There is a multitude of educational apps out there designed for students of all ages and all subject areas. Choosing a few of these apps to use to give your students extra practice on a skill or target a specific area of need can be quite beneficial. Take a look at our articles on educational VR apps or vocabulary games.

3. Collaborating on Assignment

Students can work together with their classmates using Google Docs and see what the other is typing. This could work with students seated together, as well as with students working separately from one another.

4. Completing Surveys and Quizzes

You can have your students answer polling questions through their phones to assess their understanding of a given topic. These questions may be written as true/false, multiple-choice, or short answers. There are many different programs and websites that can help you with creating quizzes and surveys for your students.

5. Providing Feedback to Others

Students can read other students' writing assignments or other work and provide them with digital feedback or additional questions to consider.

6. Augmented Reality Experiences

Leveraging cell phones, students can access augmented reality (AR) tools, transforming classroom learning. AR overlays digital information onto the real world, allowing students to interact with 3D models, historical recreations, or complex diagrams. This immersive experience deepens understanding, turning abstract concepts into tangible, interactive lessons, and making learning more engaging and memorable.

7. Recording and Editing Multimedia Projects

In the classroom, cell phones empower students to create multimedia projects by recording videos, capturing photos, and editing them on the go. This hands-on approach facilitates deeper understanding, promotes creativity, and enhances presentation skills. By producing and refining content, students learn both the subject matter and vital digital literacy skills, preparing them for modern, tech-driven environments.

Digital Etiquette for Students in the Classroom

Once your school has settled the debate over whether gadgets should be allowed in school and decided to let students use these valuable technological resources, it is essential to teach proper phone and technology etiquette to your students and develop systems to manage cell phone use in your classroom. Using mobile phones in the classroom properly is key; they should not be a distraction or something that gets in the way of learning.

In this video, CJ Reynolds is talking about tips that he uses to keep kids off their phones without making it a big deal.

Share these rules for digital etiquette with your students to help ensure phones are a beneficial tool, not one that distracts from learning.

1. Put your phone down when someone is talking to you and make eye contact with the speaker.

2. Don't text while you are walking.

3. Be aware of your surroundings and don't get distracted from someone or something important.

4. Silence your phone when you are in class.

5. Remove your headphones if someone is trying to talk to you.

6. Don't post on social media during the school day.

7. Be a good digital citizen and avoid getting into any digital drama.

8. Know the cell phone policy for each of your teachers, and respect it when in their classroom.

9. Don't make your teacher, classmates, friends, or family secondary to your phone.

Watch more about digital etiquette in this video by Rich Colosi Media.

Additionally, if you're interested in crafting your own phone policy, please refer to our specialized article on the topic.

Useful Resources

Final Thoughts

There are some pros and cons to consider regarding using cell phones in the classroom. However, given all the benefits that were shared above, I think the reasons to allow mobile phones in school far outweigh the reasons against allowing them. Allowing students to use their gadgets in the classroom will help keep them engaged in learning and provide them with instant access to technology, tools, and resources to help them learn.

So, now that you know the answer to the question, "why should students be allowed to use cell phones in class," has your thinking changed? How do you see yourself using mobile phones with your students?

References

"Number of mobile phone users worldwide from 2015 to 2020", Statista

"Share of Americans owning a smartphone in the U.S. as of June 2023, by age", Statista

"Should you let your kids have a cellphone in school?", USA TODAY

Education Awesomeness

The Daring English Teacher

EdTech Endeavours

"Should the Cell Phones Be Allowed in Schools", DebateWise

"Cell Phones in School: 11 Reasons Why They Should Be Allowed", StudentTutor

"What age are kids when parents first buy/give them their own cell phone?", Statista

"School Shootings Are Fueling the Debate Over Cellphones in Class", Education Week

"Smartphones can improve academic performance, when used appropriately", phys.org

"School Communication and the Environment", Schoolstream

"Building lifelong learning, with the help of technology", University of Washington

"The Importance of Promoting Digital Citizenship for Students", School of Education

"Using Smartphone Cameras To Improve Student Organizational Skills", National Education Association

"How I use my phone as assistive technology in class", Perkins

"Mobile Learning Can Promote Student Creativity When Done Right", Campus Technology

"Cell Phones In The Classroom: Learning Tool Or Distraction", Oxford Learning

"Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in School?", School of Education

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Why Cell Phones Should be Allowed for Students in School - 11 Reasons

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Explore compelling reasons, backed by 17 research studies, why cell phones should be allowed in schools. This article delves into 11 educational and safety benefits that support the integration of mobile technology in educational settings.

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Sexting. Cyberbullying. Googling test answers. Taking a picture of a quiz and sending it to friends who have the same class later in the day. Paying more attention to Instagram notifications than biology class.

Smartphones have transformed the way we communicate, but there's no question they can be a major headache for teachers and administrators.

That's why a flurry of schools have recently put in place restrictions or bans on students' use of cellphones in school. The changes represent a pivot away from the more open student cellphone policies that districts instituted in previous years. But not everyone thinks the new restrictions are a step in the right direction.

The recent changes are fueled by frustrated educators, who worry that by allowing students to spend so much time on their devices, they are feeding an addiction and stunting students' development of face-to-face communication skills.

That was a big reason why the Forest Hills district, near Grand Rapids, Mich., decided at the start of this school year to ban cellphones throughout the school day, even during lunch.

"We really wanted to provide a clean break for students and not have the frenetic energy that can happen if kids start texting each other or social-media posts start going," said Dan Behm, the superintendent. The district piloted the ban last school year and found that students said they were less anxious when they weren't so attached to their devices, Behm added.

More than 30 schools, or in some cases, entire districts have enacted or stepped up some sort of cellphone restrictions beginning in either the 2018-19 school year or the start of this academic year, according to an Education Week analysis.

California recently passed legislation that allows school districts to restrict or prohibit device use in class, although it's not a requirement. And at least four other states debated putting significant limits on the devices.

Other countries have had more success enacting widespread bans. Ontario, a Canadian province, is restricting student cellphone use during instructional time. (The restrictions, which are scheduled to go into effect later this year, include an exception for classroom activities and health and other emergencies.) And in 2018, France passed a law outlawing the use of cellphones in schools for students up to age 15.

But banning cellphones can come with its own vexations. Enforcement can be difficult, and districts are wary of taking on liability for holding a student's confiscated phone. Many teachers like using some cellphone-based applications in class, such as online microscopes and polling applications.

What's more, some experts say it's better to keep cellphones in school and help train students how to use them responsibly, rather than just banning their use.

Plenty of educators agree.

Brian Toth, the superintendent of Saint Mary's Area school district in northwestern Pennsylvania, said he'd never consider nixing student cellphone use in school-even though some of his teachers have asked him to do so.

Toth said the devices can be a great teaching tool. Educators in his district check for student understanding using cellphone applications like Kahoot, or they send their students on scavenger hunts that also rely on cellphone technology. And the district's instructional-technology coach focuses on teaching students to use their devices responsibly.

"Anybody who wants to ban it is just hiding from reality," Toth said. "It's just common, everyday practice these days that you have a cellphone."

Parents' Big Concerns

Restricting cellphone use is a lot easier said than done. There are big concerns, for instance, about school safety. How could parents get in touch with their children during a school shooting or a dangerous weather event?

One school in Wisconsin had a low-tech solution: Families could call the front office, just like they did before cellphones were so ubiquitous, said Jo-Ellen Fairbanks, the assistant principal of Portage High School, which requires students to keep their cellphones in their lockers during the school day.

And during an emergency, students are best off making sure they concentrate on following through with a safety plan, not staring at their cellphone screens, said Adam Gelb, the assistant principal of San Mateo High School near San Francisco, which recently required students to keep their cellphones in a pouch that renders them inoperable during the school day.

"Nowhere in any [safety protocol] does it say get on your cellphone and notify a family member," he said.

But some parents want to be able to reach their children at any time-even if it means texting them in class, educators say.

Reaction from families to a recent ban on cellphones in the Warwick district near Providence, R.I., has been mixed. Some are supportive. Others "have said, 'You can tell us what to do when you pay our phone bill,' " said Karen Bachus, the chairwoman of the school board.

What's more, enforcing a ban can bring with it its own set of administrative hasssles. The nation's largest school district, New York City, dropped its cellphone ban in 2015, in part because it was being enforced more harshly in lower-income schools than more advantaged ones.

The Marshall school district, in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, also dropped its cellphone ban several years ago.

What the policy largely prompted was kids texting under their desks or hiding their phones under big sweatshirts, said Principal Brian Jones.

A total ban "sounds great, I just don't think it's realistic. I don't like to have unenforceable policies," Jones said.

What's more, he added, "for some students, the anxiety of not having that device with them caused more harm than good. It reminded me of the cartoon [Peanuts and] Charlie Brown and Linus with his blanket."

Now, the district allows students to use their phones after school, during lunch, and at some times during the school day, if it is for educational purposes. "They've got to learn how to self-regulate once they leave us," Jones said.

'Have a Plan, Not a Ban'

That philosophy jibes with recommendations from Common Sense Media, a nonprofit based in San Francisco that focuses on children, technology, and media.

In an April survey, Common Sense found that 80 percent of schools implement some kind of cellphone policy. About a quarter of teachers find cellphone policies difficult to follow, while roughly two-thirds find them easy to follow, according to the survey. High school teachers were more likely to report that implementing cellphone policies was difficult.

Educators should "have a plan, not a ban," said Elizabeth Kline, the organization's vice president for education. "There isn't a real reason to have a ban, but there is absolutely a big need to have clear guidelines and guidance for both students and parents around personal devices."

Cellphones can be an important teaching tool, Kline pointed out. Kids can create their own videos using cellphones, and teachers can integrate special apps for understanding concepts or investigating questions.

There's also a big equity issue, she said. Some students may not have laptops-or even internet connectivity-at home. So their cellphones may be the only way they can complete some technology-focused assignments.

Still, expectations need to be clear.

"If you're using the phone for learning, then the whole class has to agree that they are not going to be snapchatting in the middle of a lesson on velocity," Kline said.

And educators need to make sure they model those behaviors, which means not checking their own text messages during class, she said.

Extremes Miss the Point

Kline emphasized that by absolutely prohibiting cellphones, districts could miss out on an opportunity to teach their students how to use the devices responsibly and in moderation.

"There are moments at school or at home that should be device-free moments," Kline said. "Letting kids go wild with no norms or rules is not the right thing to do. Both extremes are missing the point."

The Novi district, in the Detroit suburbs, strives for that balance.

Cellphones must stay in lockers all day at the middle school and are not allowed in elementary schools. But at the high school level, students are allowed to have phones in class, under limited circumstances. The teacher sets a color-red, for no phones allowed; yellow, which signifies that phones can be out if the class isn't moving forward with new content; and green, which is typically used when the devices are part of a lesson.

To be sure, the district, like most in the country, still sees its share of problems stemming from cellphones, including a lunchroom of students texting each other instead of engaging in conversation. ("Like adults do in restaurants," said Steve Matthews, the superintendent.) But the distict also wants to instill social-media lessons, including showing students how to be careful about what they tweet out or share on social media.

"There are times it would be easier to just ban [phones] altogether, but we don't want to communicate to kids that school isn't relevant to their lives," Matthews said. "We're trying to help them use it in an appropriate and meaningful way."

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Schools Say No to Cellphones in Class. But Is It a Smart Move?

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A flurry of schools have recently put in place restrictions or bans on student cellphones, a pivot away from the more open policies instituted in previous years.

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Kids aren't far behind adults in knowing exactly where their phones are at all times, and checking theirs at all hours of the day. Yet, when kids spend a good chunk of time at school, the question rises for staff about how cell phones can affect their students in the classroom, and whether it's a good or bad thing.

Although American schools haven't rolled out a unified policy banning or permitting cell phones in class, there are a number of sound arguments for not allowing them.

10 Cons of Having Cell Phones in Schools

With technology becoming more of a teaching element in schools, the question about cell phone use frequently gets brought up. While there's a grab bag of positive and negative things that come with students being able to whip out their phones at any time of the day, there are some specific cons you might never have thought about before.

They Can Be a Distraction

At the end of the day, the purpose of school is to learn, and research shows that cell phones might be hindering students' concentration. According to a 2010 study from Pew Research Center, 64% of students say they've texted in class and 25% have made or taken a call. And it's not just talking to others. That same study noted that 46% of students play games and 23% access social networks on their phone at any time.

More recently, a 2016 study assessing the impact cell phone bans have on student test scores found that students' results on important exams increased by 0.07 standard deviations on average after the bans were implemented.

If students get bored in class, it doesn't take much for them to get their cell phone out and play some games or endlessly scroll on TikTok. If students don't have access to cell phones, they have one less thing to get distracted over. And, given how much stuff you can do on a cell phone - the possibilities for distraction are endless.

Social Media Trends Can Disrupt Learning

If you've walked through the hallways of a middle school or high school in the past few years, you'll see kids filming things everywhere. TikTok is the hot button app right now, and students will break out a TikTok trend at the drop of a hat, including during a lesson.

There's no time or place in the school day that's exempt from being interrupted by some silly dance or challenge. Because documenting and posting your participation in something is almost more important than just doing the thing, cell phones are a vital piece of the disruption puzzle.

They Can Make Cheating Easier

Obviously, kids can't chat each other up in the middle of an exam, but the concept of "passing notes" has made it to the digital age, thanks to texts, notes apps, and galleries. Kids can text each other when teachers aren't looking about answers to the questions, and they can update their friends - or even the whole class - on some of the harder answers with a quick trip to the bathroom.

Cell phones are also advancing and improving faster than teachers can keep up with. Catching cheaters isn't as easy as finding them writing the answers on the inside of a water bottle label or carving out the scantron sheet pattern onto a large eraser.

Just take look at the statistics on how cell phones make cheating easier; a study from The Benenson Strategy Group in 2009 stated that 35% of the surveyed students have used cell phones to cheat. Additionally, 41% of students admit to storing notes on phones to use during tests and 46% of teens admitted to texting friends about answers.

The possibilities for cheating and copying are literally limitless when students have access to cell phones in class. And tech being such a big presence in the curriculum (school-provided laptops and mandatory online assignments, for example), makes it easier than ever for students to use dishonest methods to get the grades they want.

Expensive Phones Pose a Theft Threat

Cell phone theft is a problem in America, with 3.1 million cellphones being stolen in 2013, according to Consumer Reports. In 2020, the Prey Project released its second Mobile Theft & Loss Report, which claimed from its user's experiences that common robbery, which includes cell phone theft, went up by 10.51%.

Now add still developing brains, hormones, and flexible social status to the mix, and you can have the perfect combination for stealing. Considering how expensive cell phones are today, the last thing you want to do is to tempt would-be thieves by sending your kid to school with a $1,000+ phone that makes them a target. Lockers are more likely to be broken into, for example, if perpetrators know there's something of value in there.

There's a Risk of People Taking Illicit Pictures

Kids will be kids, so with hormones raging during their school days, there's a distinct possibility that some students may take explicit pictures or videos. This is especially dangerous when students take explicit pictures of other students, violating their consent. What used to be email chains and text threads have transformed into viral social posts that can't be scrubbed from the internet. So, what can start as a cruel prank can quickly turn into something criminal.

They Can Make Cyberbullying Easier

Along the same lines, cell phones also make it easier to cyberbully, which is when a person uses electronic communication to intimidate, threaten, or humiliate a person. Not only can cell phones make it easier for rumors to spread like wildfire throughout a school, but students can also send mean or hurtful texts to others or post inappropriate pictures of students.

Data from the Cyberbullying Research in 2016 showed that 33.8% of students have been bullied in their lifetime, 11.9% have been threatened through a cell phone text and 11.1% have had a hurtful image of them posted. In addition, a whopping 25.7% have experienced one or more different types of cyberbullying.

By 2022, 49% of 15-17-year-old students polled by the Pew Research Center have experienced some form of cyberbullying. With cell phones readily available in schools, cyberbullying is a lot easier to do.

They Can Exacerbate Social Stratification

In schools, the social hierarchy is everywhere, and it affects everything. Owning the latest cell phone can mean the difference between flying under the radar and being singled out.

Ultimately, the cell phone performs as an extension of class and financial means. People with older phones are viewed (and sometimes treated) differently than their peers. This negative feedback loop only hurts everyone involved. People who want to 'fit in' lean into these social rules and look down on those who can't afford the best tech, while those who don't have access to expensive phones might struggle to find their place in the school's social sphere.

They Make Accessing Inappropriate Material Easier

While most schools have filters and regulations to block out inappropriate material, Gen Z and Gen Alpha students are more tech savvy than any generation before. Large classrooms can also make accessing inappropriate material easier. And, since every cell phone can use data to get online, students can bypass the school servers and look up whatever they want to simply by turning off the Wi-Fi.

They Can Increase Kids' Chances of Being Taken Advantage Of

If you grew up in the early 2000s, then you remember the huge internet safety movement that warned kids about the dangers of talking to strangers online. Oh, the irony of social media creating a central place for kids to interact with complete strangers all the time.

Without having fully developed brains, kids can't even conceive of the consequences that can come from DMing a totally random person. Because cell phones aren't always connected to the wi-fi, and if we're being honest, schools aren't monitoring their daily internet activity at that detailed of a level, it's so difficult to monitor kid's safety online. But, with limited access to devices that let them get online, there are fewer chances for them to be taken advantage of.

There's an Unquantified Health Risk

The EPA has regulations that discourage too much exposure to technology and allowing students to have cell phones in school can increase their screen time during the day. Cell phones give off a low level of non-ionizing radiation, for which the long-term effects at low levels are still being studied. However, letting students use their cell phones during school adds to their exposure to this type of radiation, which could in turn have increased harmful effects on their developing bodies and minds.

It's More Complicated Than a Yes or No

It's important that we don't moralize cell phones. They're just a technological tool that lets us do a myriad of things, both good and bad. Yet, as younger and younger students are bringing phones to school, it's worth thinking through the possible negative side effects that can come with it.

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10 Cons of Having Cell Phones in Schools | LoveToKnow

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Concerned about how cell phones impact your kids in school? Check out these 10 cons for having cell phones in school.

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Should students be allowed to use their cell phones at school?

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Too many texts: Cellphone experiment shows impact on learning