It is a proven fact that phone usage kills your productivity, but a complete ban might not be the best answer.
A study in 2021 found that 77 percent of schools have initiated a partial or full cell phone ban. This solution works in the short term, but there may be better solutions for the long term. This has led many people to wonder if a complete ban on cell phones is really the best solution to this problem.
After many years and failed attempts to reduce the usage of cell phones, Spring Lake High School has finally implemented a complete ban on cell phone usage in the classroom. Students are only allowed to use cell phones during lunch breaks and passing time.
This is a massive change since last year, when it seemed like teachers had simply given up on trying to control cell phone usage and allowed students to use cell phones whenever they wanted with little to no repercussions. Teachers have tried to limit cell phone usage in the past with methods such as keeping them in caddies or asking that students don’t even bring them into the classroom, but these methods proved unsuccessful due to students using their phones anyway.
Surprisingly, many students are supportive of this new cellphone ban. When asked how they felt about the cell phone ban, many students responded that they felt more productive and got more work done without their phone being a distraction. From my own perspective, I feel more focused and productive at school without my phone as a distraction. I can get more work done at school, which leaves me with me less homework and more time to spend on hobbies and personal interests.
Although the benefits of the new cell phone policy seem great at first, it has left me wondering, is a complete ban really the best solution? By completely banning phones there is no longer any need for self-control for students. The only reason students are not going on their phones is because of the threat of punishment. This means students are not building the self-control skills needed to stay off their phones.
I believe that there is more to be gained from teaching students when and how to responsibly use cell phones, instead of banning them. Later in students’ life, whether it be at college or at a job, students need to know how to responsibly and effectively use their phones. This is something that could very easily could be taught to students and would benefit them more than an all out ban.
