mobile phone should not be banned in school essay

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Do phones belong in schools.

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Harvard Staff Writer

Bans may help protect classroom focus, but districts need to stay mindful of students’ sense of connection, experts say

Students around the world are being separated from their phones.

In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 77 percent of U.S. schools had moved to prohibit cellphones for nonacademic purposes. In September 2018, French lawmakers outlawed cellphone use for schoolchildren under the age of 15. In China, phones were banned country-wide for schoolchildren last year.

Supporters of these initiatives have cited links between smartphone use and bullying and social isolation and the need to keep students focused on schoolwork.

77% Of U.S. schools moved to ban cellphones for nonacademic purposes as of 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics

But some Harvard experts say instructors and administrators should consider learning how to teach with tech instead of against it, in part because so many students are still coping with academic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic. At home, many young people were free to choose how and when to use their phones during learning hours. Now, they face a school environment seeking to take away their main source of connection.

“Returning back to in-person, I think it was hard to break the habit,” said Victor Pereira, a lecturer on education and co-chair of the Teaching and Teaching Leadership Program at the Graduate School of Education.

Through their students, he and others with experience both in the classroom and in clinical settings have seen interactions with technology blossom into important social connections that defy a one-size-fits-all mindset. “Schools have been coming back, trying to figure out, how do we readjust our expectations?” Pereira added.

It’s a hard question, especially in the face of research suggesting that the mere presence of a smartphone can undercut learning .

Michael Rich , an associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and an associate professor of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, says that phones and school don’t mix: Students can’t meaningfully absorb information while also texting, scrolling, or watching YouTube videos.

“The human brain is incapable of thinking more than one thing at a time,” he said. “And so what we think of as multitasking is actually rapid-switch-tasking. And the problem with that is that switch-tasking may cover a lot of ground in terms of different subjects, but it doesn’t go deeply into any of them.”

Pereira’s approach is to step back — and to ask whether a student who can’t resist the phone is a signal that the teacher needs to work harder on making a connection. “Two things I try to share with my new teachers are, one, why is that student on the phone? What’s triggering getting on your cell phone versus jumping into our class discussion, or whatever it may be? And then that leads to the second part, which is essentially classroom management.

“Design better learning activities, design learning activities where you consider how all of your students might want to engage and what their interests are,” he said. He added that allowing phones to be accessible can enrich lessons and provide opportunities to use technology for school-related purposes.

Mesfin Awoke Bekalu, a research scientist in the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at the Chan School, argues that more flexible classroom policies can create opportunities for teaching tech-literacy and self-regulation.

“There is a huge, growing body of literature showing that social media platforms are particularly helpful for people who need resources or who need support of some kind, beyond their proximate environment,” he said. A study he co-authored by Rachel McCloud and Vish Viswanath for the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness shows that this is especially true for marginalized groups such as students of color and LGBTQ students. But the findings do not support a free-rein policy, Bekalu stressed.

In the end, Rich, who noted the particular challenges faced by his patients with attention-deficit disorders and other neurological conditions, favors a classroom-by-classroom strategy. “It can be managed in a very local way,” he said, adding: “It’s important for parents, teachers, and the kids to remember what they are doing at any point in time and focus on that. It’s really only in mono-tasking that we do very well at things.”

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Why Schools Should Ban Cell Phones in the Classroom—and Why Parents Have to Help

New study shows it takes a young brain 20 minutes to refocus after using a cell phone in a classroom

Photo by skynesher/iStock

Parents, the next time you are about to send a quick trivial text message to your students while they’re at school—maybe sitting in a classroom—stop. And think about this: it might take them only 10 seconds to respond with a thumbs-up emoji, but their brain will need 20 minutes to refocus on the algebra or history or physics lesson in front of them— 20 minutes .

That was just one of the many findings in a recent report from a 14-country study by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) that prompted this headline in the Washington Post : “Schools should ban smartphones. Parents should help.” The study recommends a ban on smartphones at school for students of all ages, and says the data are unequivocal, showing that countries that enforce restrictions see improved academic performance and less bullying.

It’s a fraught debate, one that prompts frustration among educators, who say students are less focused than ever as schools struggle to enforce cell phone limitation policies, and rage from some parents, worrying about a possible shooting when they can’t get in touch, who insist they need to be able to reach their children at all times. And, perhaps surprisingly, it prompts a collective yawn from students.

In fact, students openly admit their cell phones distract them and that they focus better in school without them, says Joelle Renstrom , a senior lecturer in rhetoric at Boston University’s College of General Studies. It’s an issue she has studied for years. She even performed an experiment with her students that supports what she long suspected: Cell Phones + Classrooms = Bad Learning Environment.

BU Today spoke with Renstrom about the latest study and research.

with Joelle Renstrom

Bu today: let me get right to the point. do we as a society need to be better about restricting cell phones in classrooms it seems so obvious..

Renstrom: Of course. But it is easier said than done. It’s hard to be consistent. We will always have students with some kind of reason, or a note from someone, that gives them access to technology. And then it becomes hard to explain why some people can have it and some people can’t. But student buy-in to the idea is important.

BU Today: But is getting students to agree more important than getting schools and parents to agree? Is it naive to think that students are supposed to follow the rules that we as parents and teachers set for them?

Renstrom: I have made the case before that addiction to phones is kind of like second-hand smoking. If you’re young and people around you are using it, you are going to want it, too. Every baby is like that. They want to reach for it, it’s flashing, their parents are on it all the time. Students openly acknowledge they are addicted. Their digital lives are there. But they also know there is this lack of balance in their lives. I do think buy-in is important. But do it as an experiment. Did it work? What changes did it make? Did it make you anxious or distracted during those 50 minutes in class? I did that for years. I surveyed students for a number of semesters; how do you feel about putting your phone in a pouch? They made some predictions and said what they thought about how annoying it was. But at the end, they talked about how those predictions [played out], and whether they were better able to focus. It was very, very clear they were better able to focus. Also interestingly, not a single student left during class to get a drink or go to the bathroom. They had been 100 percent doing that just so they could use their phone.

BU Today: Should we be talking about this question, cell phones in classrooms, for all ages, middle school all the way through college? Or does age matter?

Renstrom: It’s never going to be universal. Different families, different schools. And there is, on some level, a safety issue. I do not blame parents for thinking, if there’s someone with a gun in school, I need a way to reach my kids. What if all the phones are in pouches when someone with a gun comes in? It’s crazy that we even have to consider that.

BU Today: What’s one example of something that can be changed easily?

Renstrom: Parents need to stop calling their kids during the day. Stop doing that. What you are doing is setting that kid up so that they are responding to a bot 24-7 when they shouldn’t be. If you’re a kid who gets a text from your parent in class, you are conditioned to respond and to know that [the parent] expects a response. It adds so much anxiety to people’s lives. It all just ends up in this anxiety loop. When kids are in school, leave them alone. Think about what that phone is actually meant for. When you gave them a phone, you said it’s in case of an emergency or if you need to be picked up in a different place. Make those the parameters. If it’s just to confirm, “I’m still picking you up at 3,” then no, don’t do that. Remember when we didn’t have to confirm? There is a time and place for this, for all technology.

BU Today: This latest study, how do you think people will react to it?

Renstrom: This isn’t new. How many studies have to come out to say that cured meat is terrible and is carcinogenic. People are like, “Oh, don’t tell me what to eat. Or when to be on my phone.” This gets real contentious, real fast because telling people what’s good for them is hard.

BU Today: I can understand that—but in this case we’re not telling adults to stop being on their phones. We’re saying help get your kids off their phones in classrooms, for their health and education.

Renstrom: Studies show kids’ brains, and their gray matter, are low when they are on screens. School is prime habit-forming time. You should not sit in class within view of the professor, laughing while they are talking about World War II. There is a social appropriateness that needs to be learned. Another habit that needs to be addressed is the misconception of multitasking. We are under this misconception we all can do it. And we can’t. You might think, I can listen to this lecture while my sister texts me. That is not supported by science or studies. It is literally derailing you. Your brain jumps off to another track and has to get back on. If you think you have not left that first track, you are wrong.

BU Today: So what next steps would you like to see?

Renstrom: I would like to see both schools and families be more assertive about this. But also to work together. If the parents are anti-smartphone policy, it doesn’t matter if the school is pro-policy. If there is a war between parents and schools, I am not sure much will happen. Some kind of intervention and restriction is better than just ripping it away from kids. The UNESCO study found it is actually even worse for university students. We are all coming at this problem from all different ways. Pouches or banned phones. Or nothing.

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Doug Most is a lifelong journalist and author whose career has spanned newspapers and magazines up and down the East Coast, with stops in Washington, D.C., South Carolina, New Jersey, and Boston. He was named Journalist of the Year while at The Record in Bergen County, N.J., for his coverage of a tragic story about two teens charged with killing their newborn. After a stint at Boston Magazine , he worked for more than a decade at the Boston Globe in various roles, including magazine editor and deputy managing editor/special projects. His 2014 nonfiction book, The Race Underground , tells the story of the birth of subways in America and was made into a PBS/American Experience documentary. He has a BA in political communication from George Washington University. Profile

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There are 18 comments on Why Schools Should Ban Cell Phones in the Classroom—and Why Parents Have to Help

i found this very helpful with my research

It was ok, but i will say i enjoyed learning more about why we should not have cell phones.

It was a great research, helped me a lot.

I think that this was helpful, but there is an ongoing question at my school, which is, though phones may be negative to health and knowledge and they’re a distraction what happens if there was a shooting or a fire or a dangourus weather event and you don’t have a phone to tell your parents or guardians at home if you are alright? (Reply answer if have one)

Yeah they would get an amber alert

well, the school has the technology that can help communicate that to the parents, and if that were to happen, I guess that’s why there’s always a cell phone in the classrooms those old-time ones, but I feel it would not be okay in case of a shooting since you have to go silence, and on the moment of fire or weather everything happens so fast in the moment.

In schools all teachers have cell phones. So one way or the other the messages would get out to the parents as needed. If a student gets on the cell phone to inform the parent about the activity, that’s taken place it could cause panic. School staffs are informed as to how to handle such situations.. what I have seen take place in classes are students who are texting each other either in the same room or in another classroom during the school time. Many students spend time on YouTube and not concentrating what’s going on in the classroom.

I think that this was helpful, but there is an ongoing question at my school, which is, though phones may be negative to health and knowledge and they’re a distraction what happens if there is a shooting or a fire or a dangerous weather event and you don’t have a phone to tell your parents or guardians at home if you are alright?

I am writing a paper and this is very helpful thank you.

I am writing a paper and this is very helpful but it is true what if our mom or dad have to contact us we need phones!

this helped me with my school project about whether cell phones should be banned in school. I think yes but the class is saying no. I think it’s because I was raised without a phone so I know how to survive and contact my parents without a phone. but anyway, this helped me with my essay! thank you!

I don’t think phones should be allowed in school, and this is perfect backup! Thank you Doug

great infromation for debate

Thanks, this helped a lot I’m working on an essay and this has been really helpful.by the way, some people may think, but what if i need to call my mom/dad/guardian. but the real thing is, there is a high chance that there will be a telephone near you. or if it’s something that only you want them to know,go ahead and ask your teacher if you can go to the office.

I mean it could also depend on the student, like for example let’s say that i’m a student inside the school, if I used my phone and I got off it, for me it would instant focus, but for others students they might take longer or the same time as me, it all really depends if the student is tend to be responsible with their time trying to focus so I would say that this claim is not true.

I think that is article was very good. I’m currently writing and essay and I have used this for most of my evidence so far. I personally think that cellphones should be banned from the classroom because the school will get the information that your parents need out to them so you don’t have to cause a panic because you don’t know if your parents know what is going on at your school or not. It will just be better because then we wouldn’t have as many distractions in the classrooms as we do now because kids are always getting caught on their phones and they are constantly being sent down to the office and it takes time to get the class back on track. I personally agree with Doug that cellphones should be banned in the classrooms.

It’s striking to realize that the reason some parents feel the need to advocate for phone usage in school is due to concerns about a potential school shooting. While parents may be more informed about the harmful effects of smartphones in a learning environment, they take preference for the safety of their child in a hypothetical situation. It’s a hard debate because while the safety of their children is important, the drastic effects of students needing 20 minutes to refocus is significantly impacting their ability to learn in their classes. I find it very saddening that this is what our world has come to – prioritizing safety for a school shooting over academic performance, because it is no longer so unusual for a school to experience that type of tragedy.

I liked the comment, “Addiction to phones is kind of like second-hand smoking. If you’re young and people around you are using it, you are going to want it too,” because I experienced this phenomenon in my early middle school years, with the invention of the first iPhone. All of a sudden an invention that was broadcasted on the news became an essential for the other students in my middle school class, to the point where I became one of the only students without one. Then, I finally succumbed to the pressure, and begged my parents for an iPhone as I felt extremely left out. It’s frustrating to accept that this pressure is affecting children now younger and younger by the year, with even six year old children I babysit owning their own iPhone/iPad.

I also think that with the prevalence of child phone usage significantly increases parental anxiety, particularly for those parents who are already overbearing to start. Giving parents the ability to contact their child at any given time is harmful, and it can create a dependence on either side. It’s ironic given the fact that parents push their children to focus and succeed in their classes, yet harass them all day about minuscule things that could’ve been addressed later that day. So yes, parents need to stop calling their kids during the day.

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Banning mobile phones in schools: beneficial or risky? Here’s what the evidence says

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Victorian education minister James Merlino’s announcement mobile phones will be banned for all students at state primary and secondary schools is certainly a bold move.

The policy has been justified as a direct response to mounting levels of cyberbullying, concerns over distractions and schools struggling with discipline relating to students’ misuse of phones.

Students will have to switch off their phones and store them in lockers from the start of the school day until the final bell. In case of an emergency, parents or guardians can reach their child by calling the school.

The minister said in a statement :

The only exceptions to the ban will be where students use phones to monitor health conditions, or where teachers instruct students to bring their phone for a particular classroom activity.

Whether to allow student use of mobile phones in school is certainly a hot topic in education. The Victorian announcement follows a French government ban on mobiles in school in 2018. Debates on the issue are also taking place in Denmark , Sweden and the United Kingdom .

There is considerable public support for banning mobiles. In our recently conducted survey of more than 2,000 Australian adults, nearly 80% supported a ban on mobile phones in classrooms. Just under one-third supported an outright ban from schools altogether.

Support for a classroom ban was remarkably consistent across different demographics, including political affiliation and age group.

But while banning phones from classrooms, and from school altogether, might seem sensible, there are number of reasons to be cautious. It’s clear we need to carefully consider how we want to make use of digital devices being brought into schools. But previous experience, such as in New York, suggests a blanket ban might introduce even more problems.

And the little research evidence that addresses the issue is mixed.

What’s the evidence?

Reports of cyberbullying have clearly gone up among school-aged children and young people over the past ten years, but the nature and precedents of cyberbullying are complex.

Research suggests there is a large overlap between cyberbullying and traditional forms of bullying, which wouldn’t then follow that digital devices are somehow causing these behaviours.

Cyberbullying also often takes place outside school hours and premises. There is a danger banning phones from classrooms might distract education staff from having to continue with efforts to address the more immediate causes of cyberbullying.

Read more: Teenagers need our support, not criticism, as they navigate life online

There is also a growing literature exploring the links between digital devices and classroom distractions. The presence of phones in the classroom is certainly found to be a source of multi-tasking among students of all ages – some of which can be educationally relevant and much of which might not.

But the impact of these off-task behaviours on student learning outcomes is difficult to determine. A review of 132 academic studies concluded, it is

difficult to determine directions and mechanisms of the causal relations between mobile phone multitasking and academic performance.

There is also a strong sense from classroom research that issues of distraction apply equally to laptops , iPads and other digital devices.

All told, the sense from academic literature is that the realities of smartphone use in classrooms are complex and decidedly messy. Our own research into how smartphones are being used in Victorian classrooms highlighted the difficulties teachers face in policing student use (what some teachers described as requiring “five minutes of firefighting” at the beginning of every lesson).

Despite this, we also found instances of students using smartphones for a range of beneficial purposes – from impromptu information seeking to live-streaming lessons for sick classmates.

Read more: Schools are asking students to bring digital devices to class, but are they actually being used?

These benefits are also reflected in classroom studies elsewhere in the world. Research from Stanford University has demonstrated , for instance, that with proper support and preparation, teachers in even the most challenging schools can “build on the ways students already use technology outside of school to help them learn in the classroom”.

There is now a whole academic field known as “ m-Learning ” where researchers have explored the pedagogical and learning advantages of using mobile devices (including phones) in lessons.

But what about a blanket ban from school altogether? Experience from elsewhere suggests enforcing a mobile ban in schools may not be as easy as it sounds.

What we can learn from others

The New South Wales government announced a review into the benefits and risks of mobile phone use in schools in June 2018, led by child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg. At the review’s completion, the government said it would only ban mobile phones from the state’s primary schools, leaving secondary schools free to make their own choice.

We recognise that technology plays an important and increasing role as students progress through their education […] We want to give secondary schools the flexibility to balance the benefits and risks of technology in the way that best supports their students.

Perhaps the most pertinent example is the ban enforced in New York City from 2006, that was eventually lifted in 2015.

The reasons given for this reversal highlighted several of the concerns the new ban in Victoria will likely face. They include practical difficulties of enforcing a ban in the classroom being exacerbated by banning of phone use during break times and lunchtimes.

First, it was clear the New York ban was being inconsistently enforced by schools – with better resourced schools in more affluent areas more likely to bend the rules and permit student use. In contrast, schools in lower-income areas with metal detectors were more likely to be rigidly enforcing the ban.

Other motivations for lifting the ban were concerns over student safety such as the need for students to contact family members during break times and lunchtimes. Families were also incurring costs to store phones securely outside of the school. There was also a recognition teachers should be trusted to exercise their professional judgement as to how they could be making good educational use of devices in their lessons.

Read more: Should mobile phones be banned in schools? We asked five experts

At the same time, it was reckoned government resources were better directed toward supporting students to learn how to use technology responsibly through cyber-safety lessons.

All these reasons are as relevant now to Victorian schools as they were to New York City schools in 2015. The use (and non-use) of mobile phones in schools is certainly an issue we need to have a proper conversation about. But it might not be as clear-cut as the recent policy announcements suggest.

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What Students Are Saying About School Cellphone Bans

Policies restricting phone use in schools are trending. We asked students if they thought such rules were a good idea.

By The Learning Network

Nearly one in four countries has laws or policies banning or restricting student cellphone use in schools . Proponents say no-phone rules reduce student distractions and bullying. Critics say the bans could hinder student self-direction and critical thinking.

We asked teenagers what they thought: Should schools ban cellphones?

The reactions were mixed. Many students brought up the same reasons they wanted access to their phones during the day: to listen to music, to contact their parents and even for schoolwork. But many recognized the need for some boundaries around phone use, with several supporting an outright ban. Read their arguments below.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the conversation on our writing prompts this week, including students from Midtown High School in Atlanta ; Parkway South High School in Manchester, Mo. ; and Miami Country Day School in Miami, Fla .

Please note: Student comments have been lightly edited for length, but otherwise appear as they were originally submitted.

No phones in school? We’re all for it, some students said.

Recently, I stopped bringing my phone to school. I only had an Apple Watch to listen to music and message my family. This change has allowed me to focus more during my classes and I’ve come up with more creative ideas due to this change. To put it simply, while the banning of cellphones may take some time to fully get used to, it’s a necessity for all schools in order for their students to concentrate and participate more quickly. One of the main problems with cellphone usage in class is that students aren’t talking with one another. Instead, everyone is talking AT each other, because they’re always on their phones messaging or checking social media. With the banning of phones however, students can engage with one another without the use of technology, which can be described as “authentic,” or more personal.

— Leo, Midtown High School

I think that schools should ban cellphones because most problems in school typically circle back to cellphones. Students will take videos or photos of others during school and this gets uploaded to social media. They usually get bullied and aren’t comfortable being posted on social media. Kids are also always on their phones during class. Their grades start to go down and then they fail. All of these problems can be avoided if they just ban phones in school.

— Mylea, CNY

The phrase “eyes glued to the screen” is an understatement to how little students converse with one another due to something “more important” on their phone. It’s increasingly alarming and concerning that I have seen on many occasions a whole group of people sitting at a table, pressing away or scrolling on their phones, and all I hear is silence. Consequently, this adds to the overarching problem of mental health issues because of how attached students are to devices. They lose the skill of communication and therefore are not able to converse very well in the long-term.

— Alex, Manchester

I believe that we are in a weird time, where cellphone usage is so normalized, that being asked to put it away makes people mad. While I understand the annoyance with having your property confiscated, I do think it’s for the better of students. We are at a point where time and time again it’s been proven by ourselves that we have absolutely no self control and are unable to stay off phones when asked. I do think checking cameras and driving around during lunch is an extreme; but it may be necessary. If you need phones to do online classes, then use a computer. If older generations were able to make it 8 hours without checking an Instagram story, then so can we.

— emmies, midtown highschool

In my school, many students amble around campus, staring down at their phones, completely oblivious to the world around them. I have witnessed some of my peers bump into walls or into other students as they are entranced in their small electronic devices. The attention that students pay to their phones takes away from socializing, interacting, and learning throughout the school day. This has had a profound negative impact on their grades that is oftentimes irreversible. For example, in middle school, cellphone use was not permitted during the school day. Many of my peers were more engaged in their classes and thus had higher grades. When we got to high school, the rules changed and phones were allowed. Some of my same peers that had good grades, are now on academic probation for failing classes. Although this could be a result of many different factors, the main change from middle school to high school was phone usage.

Phones also interfere with quality social interactions. I noticed that in middle school, many students engaged more with one another, had quality conversations, and strong friendships. Some of these same students now have very few friends and engage with electronics more than people. It is important to keep in mind that this is the reality of some students, but not all. Many of my current friends in school have not let the electronic device world have such an intense impact on their lives, and therefore are very social and are doing fantastic academically.

— Arabella, Miami Country Day School/Miami Florida

Others recognized the need for some boundaries around phone use, but thought an outright ban went too far.

Cellphones should be limited, not banned, in schools but with a couple of key qualifications. During class time, I think there should be no phones allowed from when the bell rings to start the class to when the bell rings to end the class. There should be breaks in the middle of the class, as the teacher sees fit, such as how we do in some of my classes, to take a quick break and check notifications before getting back into it. This would hopefully influence students to use dedicated class time wisely and be more “checked in” so to speak while not missing out on possible crucial messages or emergencies that may come through during that class. However, if a student is in a free period, they should be able to use their phone. It is up to the student to use their time wisely outside of class to get their work done and allowing the student to have some independence in making a responsible choice as a young adult in the making is a positive.

— Jack, Ames, Iowa

An alternative to the use of phones in school is to heavily regulate media in the range of school, meaning not just banning social media under the school network but also having students log on to an application during school which only allows access to important needs for phones like contacting parents or educational apps, in case of a student’s laptop being dead, broken or forgotten at home. In the grand scheme of things, I believe removing a student’s phone would also cause more of a problem in the situation of an emergency because they will not be able to contact their parents. Banning them is definitely not necessary but a regulation on cell phones would be beneficial to students as a whole.

— Jaden, Sun Valley, CA

In every class, you’ll see people with their cellphone out, or laying on their desk next to them, just within reach for when it buzzes. Every time this buzz distracts the student, it takes their brain at least five seconds to focus back on the task they were working on, decreasing productivity and increasing errors. I believe that teachers should confiscate students’ phones during class, and have rules for when this confiscation is violated. However, if said class is a free period, the students could keep their phones out, to be able to communicate with their parents and keep up with their extracurriculars. Many parents should support their child focusing on school, and will be fine with them only responding in 90 minute intervals in between classes.

— Katya, Midtown High School

For me, the best policy for students is for teachers to take phones during classes and instructional time and give them back after class. I know some students are against having their phones taken during class, but I do think it increases focus. During free periods and lunch, I think it is important for students to have time to be there on their phones because it provides a time to relax and enjoy something not school-related.

— Ginny, J.R. Masterman Philadelphia

I use my phone as another device for my school work. For example, if I’m given a piece of writing to work on, I’ll have the assignment and instructions pulled up on my phone while I complete the work on my iPad. I understand the frustration teachers may have when they’re talking and multiple students are scrolling on TikTok or using Snapchat while learning a lesson. This can affect their work and education, however banning phones is excessive. If it’s become a problem or a setback in classes, setting a rule to make sure the phone stays in a bag can just may be an option. Otherwise it’s not easy for me to communicate among my parents, friends, or even boss.

— Sofia, Glenbard West High School

Some wanted unrestricted access to their phones during the day for a variety of reasons.

As a student who was born and raised in Ethiopia, we weren’t allowed to have a cellphone at all. It did have advantages like socializing, we ate lunch together and hung out together. We also did a lot of activities together but it didn’t do any good in my academics. Most parents and teachers worry that having a phone would be a distraction from having a better grade but for me, I had higher grades when I had my phone compared to my old grade when I didn’t have my phone. Although it might be distracting in class, it helped me a lot by using it for research or listening to music when I wanted to study. It also helped me to contact my parents whenever I wanted. I would not welcome a ban in my school because I learn with my phone since I work better when I research and take notes and most of my teachers just lecture.

— Yohanan, Vancouver, WA

When cellphones/messaging devices started out they were a hit. They gave some brief release for students that need a second to rest so they can focus better. This is still true today. I have to go through 5 periods without a break where I am either sitting at a desk or walking to class. Those few moments with my phone help a lot. Our attention spans are not infinite. Cellphones in schools also give me a connection to my home and parents when I need to talk to them. There has never been a student that has done poorly on a test and didn’t want to vent it out to someone. For me, this is my mom and dad. They are always good at calming me down and stopping me from spiraling. Without cellphones, I would never have that person close to help me.

— Tyson, Fountain Valley

There have been a few times this year when I’ve had to text my parents to come pick me up because I’ve been sick and needed to go home. The ease with which I was able to contact them would no longer exist if a phone ban was implemented, as not every teacher allows students free access to the office without a “valid” reason (and sickness isn’t always seen as such). Even if I were able to go to the office to reach my parents, the time this process took would be significantly longer. Thus, cellphone bans are simply too extreme for most schools, and districts should instead consider other forms of restriction to have the benefits of bans, without the consequences.

— Charlotte, Midtown High School

And a few thought students, rather than teachers or the school, should bear the burden for using their phones responsibly.

I don’t think schools should ban cellphones and I would not welcome a cellphone ban in my school. I think as high school students we need to be responsible for our own actions. If you are a student and you are on your phone in your class you need to accept the consequences that your grades and understanding of the material will suffer. Students need to learn how to pay attention in class without getting on their phones. In college no teachers are going to be getting them in trouble for being on their phones. How will they teach themselves the self control to not be on your phone in class?

— Kathryn, Maury High School

I have mixed emotions on this topic. I feel that high schoolers should be held responsible for their own education. If they choose to not pay attention in class and not take advantage of all the tools that their teachers are giving them, then they should do whatever they want. As 15-year-olds and up, high school teachers should not be held responsible for 100+ students learning. The student themselves needs to be responsible for their own learning and their own grades.

— Emily, Baker High School

At least one student said working to address the root causes of teenage “cellphone addiction” might be a better approach.

Many students are drawn to scrolling through social media as a coping mechanism or an escape from the fact that they struggle with school or have been otherwise discouraged from learning and connecting with their peers. While these are not excuses for being distracted or disrespectful, working to address the root causes of the widespread cellphone addiction might be more helpful long-term than a cellphone ban. While the ban seems to be an effective short term solution for the school day, it might harm students when they go to college or find themselves in a world where there are no strict bans and they must self-regulate their screen time. Working to address these root causes as well as fostering responsibility would help young people feel more connected to the world around them and better prepare them for the world.

— Abigail, Maury High School- Norfolk, VA

In the end, some saw the appeal of a ban but worried it would “only intensify” students’ negative attitudes toward school.

I understand why a ban might seem appealing to certain teachers and administrators, however, I also believe that it would be more harmful than beneficial in the long run. Many students already have negative attitudes toward school: a major cause of stress and dread for some. I strongly feel a cellphone ban would only intensify these negative attitudes towards school as a whole. It wouldn’t motivate students to attend, and would almost villainize the school itself. It just isn’t worth it. Speaking from experiences at my school and things that I’ve noticed, I observe that the majority of students do a good job staying off their phones and paying attention during class. Our school doesn’t strongly restrict phones, and it has never really been a problem. Additionally, I feel that a ban on cellphones would only do so much. If a student really wants to be on their phone, they will find a way to do so regardless of whatever ban may or may not be in place.

— Natalie, Glen Ellyn, IL

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What do five experts think about mobile phones in schools?

New South Wales is looking at possibly banning the technology in classrooms. Experts disagree

T he New South Wales education minister has ordered a review into mobile phone use in schools. Rob Stokes said the review would look at the risks and rewards of social media and would ultimately decide whether to ban them in NSW schools.

A Finnish education expert, Pasi Sahlberg, also recently said he believed mobile phone-related distraction was a main reason for Australia sliding down in Pisa rankings.

Parents and teachers have similar concerns about cyberbullying and safety, as well as technology distracting from schoolwork. But do the benefits of having phones in classrooms – such as contact with parents, access to mental health text lines, and learning opportunities – outweigh the risks?

We asked five experts if schools should ban mobile phones in classrooms.

Danielle Einstein, psychologist: yes

First, mobile phones are too easily used at the expense of face-to-face communication. Teenagers can message, avoiding a more challenging conversation. Second, smartphone apps and messages prompt dopamine release, creating addiction. Third, the mere presence of one’s phone consumes attention even when it’s not being checked. It’s been shown we have reduced working memory capacity and fluid intelligence when our phone is upside down and silent on our desk compared with when it is in another room.

Finally, the introduction of smartphones has led to a decline in people’s ability to cope with uncertainty. Research shows being uncomfortable with uncertainty is associated with students feeling distracted and tense during Naplan and other tests. The more uncomfortable young people are with uncertainty, the higher the number of co-occurring psychological problems they report experiencing. Smartphone use is associated with the current epidemic of anxiety and depression.

Matthew Kearney, teacher educator: no

First, regardless of any ban, students will continue to learn with their phones off-campus, later in life in their tertiary education, and in their professional and workplace learning. Second, if students want to investigate, collect data, receive personalised and immediate feedback, record media, create, compose or communicate with peers in and beyond the classroom, using mobile apps is ideal .

Also, if they want to learn at a place, time and pace of their choosing, for example on excursions, or work on projects with friends in more informal spaces like home, on a train or in Facebook groups, mobile devices are needed .

Joanne Orlando, technology and learning: no

We should not ban mobile phones in schools because it’s important to educate children to live well in the era in which they are growing up. A good education for students today is knowing how to use technology to learn, communicate and work with ideas. There is significant research ( including my own ) that shows selective, quality and empowering uses of technology provides new learning opportunities and the ability for students to develop skills they will need for their careers. The ability to copy work off the blackboard into an exercise book is not a skill today’s employers are looking for.

Banning students from using smartphones is a 1950s response to a 2018 state of play. Mobile phone use is a complex social activity and taking phones away will likely lead to underground and hidden use by teens. This will exacerbate issues (such as cyberbullying) this call to ban phones is trying to address.

Damian Maher, ICT educator: no

Mobile phones serve many important functions. Digital literacy is a critical aspect of young people’s schooling and research shows mobile phones can play a role in supporting such learning. It’s important students learn with these devices so they can effectively participate in the workforce.

The phones provide a link between students and their parents, which has an important role to play in ensuring their safety. Evidence indicates parents want this type of access.

Teachers have an important role to teach students to be safe online.

In relation to health, research shows medical apps are important to support the health of young people, such as managing diabetes, and apps need to be accessed during schools hours. Rather than suggesting bans, we should be discussing ways to support young people to use their phones.

Susan Sawyer, paediatrician: no

Mobile phones are ubiquitous for secondary school students. Beyond the 3Rs, an important aspect of their learning is about safely negotiating online environments. This means all schools need to develop policies around the use of mobile phones during school hours. Given the dynamic nature of the mobile world, regularly engaging students and parents in reviewing and revising these policies is an important part of everyone’s learning.

A particular benefit of mobile phones is they can provide access to therapeutic interventions for distressed young people while they are at school. Telephone support lines have long provided crisis support but are more commonly used outside school hours. The emergence of crisis text lines means adolescents can access text messaging support in real time, an approach that many find more accessible than telephone support, let alone face-to-face support, even with trained professionals at schools.

• Damian Maher Senior lecturer in education, use of ICT and social media, University of Technology Sydney
• Danielle Einstein Clinical psychologist, honorary associate, University of Sydney, and psychology department, Macquarie University
• Joanne Orlando researcher, technology and learning, Western Sydney University
• Matthew Kearney Associate Prof, teacher education program, University of Technology Sydney
• Susan M Sawyer Prof of adolescent health, University of Melbourne, and director, Royal Children’s hospital centre for adolescent health, University of Melbourne

This article was originally published on the Conversation. Read the original here https://theconversation.com/we-asked-five-experts-should-mobile-phones-be-banned-in-schools-98708

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Why Cell Phones Should Not Be Banned In Schools

There is no denying that cell phones have become a very important part of people’s everyday lives. People at various workplaces across the world use cell phones to perform a variety of tasks like storing data, editing files and seeking information.

The most important feature or the best thing about cell phones is they allow us to keep in touch with loved ones. Apps such as Skype, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and more have it very easy for people to keep in touch with family and friends no matter where they are on the globe.

Almost every household across the world has a cell phone and the majority of college students have one too. The use of cell phones in education has been widely debated for many years now with so many reports in favor and against the idea of banning them in schools are being published. This article will look at the reasons why cell phones should not be banned in schools and colleges.

Table of Contents

Why cell phones should not be banned in schools?

Cell phones allow students to get external help if they need it.

The life of a student in school or college involves attending class, spending some of their free time with friends and doing their assignments. Assignments are compulsory and must be completed at all costs if a student wants to progress in their studies.

Sometimes students are given assignments that they are not comfortable with or have no idea how to tackle them and might need some outside help to complete them. Cell phones play a massive role when a particular student is struggling with a topic given to them in school.

Students can use them to get in touch with  academic essay writers  by accessing the internet on the go to get their assignments done especially if they are a special needs student.  College life can be hectic at times and cell phones can ease the burden on students by letting hand over their assignments to an essay writer.

Cell phones are not useless things

The way that we see cell phones has changed over the last 20 years. Gone are the days it was looked at as a device that enabled us to communicate with our loved one. It is a device that can do more than just help us communicate and should not be looked at as a toy or plaything by old school tutors. These devices bring so much to the table when it comes to a student’s education because they can record lectures, read and download books, use maps, listen to lessons and more.

The advancements in technology mean students have access to so many applications to aid them in their studies. The idea of banning cell phones in schools should not be entertained by any educational institution.

Cell phones are affordable

The economic situation of students differs from person to person especially if they come from different countries. While others might come from rich families, others come from poor families who cannot afford good quality laptops or computers.

Cell phones, on the other hand, are very affordable and are a wonderful substitute for computers. Even though they do have their fair share of limitations like a small screen, small keyboard, and small memory capacity, they do make up for it by being portable, cheap and user friendly.

Students will still find ways to use them anyway

Putting a stop to students using their cell phones in class does not mean they will not be used at all. If anything, it will make students rebellious and they will find sneaky ways of using them without being caught by their teachers.

Instead of their tutor focusing on teaching them, they will spend most of the time on high alert to see who is using them without permission. This can bring unnecessary stress to tutors and the solution is simple.

It is way better for the cell phone to be visible where tutors can see them rather than students using them underneath the desk for example.

Cell phones help students get ready for the real world out there

The main reason why parents send their students to schools is to prepare them for the future. The world is very competitive and one needs to be very prepared if they are to succeed. Colleges and universities need to teach their students how to use cell phones effectively to better themselves because they are an important part of life now.

Cell phones allow students to connect

Communication is very important in a student’s life and if they are stopped from doing that, it can bring major  mental health issues . When a student is suffering mentally, it can affect how they perform in college. Cell phones allow students to not only socialize with each other but also keep up to date with what’s happening in the entertainment world.

Conclusion: Cell phone use with required restrictions

Although cell phone use has its uses, its use has all the ingredients of being misused and bring about detrimental consequences. So education strategists should create effective policies such that cell phones are allowed in schools with such restrictions so as to avoid distractions, misuse and other undesired behaviours.

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Home — Essay Samples — Information Science and Technology — Cell Phones — Reasons Why Cell Phones Should not be Allowed in School

Reasons Why Cell Phones Should not Be Allowed in School

• Categories: Cell Phones Children and Technology Impact of Technology

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Words: 588 |

Updated: 7 December, 2023

Words: 588 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

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Hook Examples for “Cell Phones Should Not Be Allowed in School” Essay

• An Educational Distraction: Step into the classroom and explore the pervasive presence of cell phones among students. Join me in examining how these devices, designed for connectivity, can often disconnect learners from the educational experience.
• Quoting an Educator: Educator John Dewey once said, “”Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”” Let’s discuss how the intrusion of cell phones in schools can disrupt the vital process of learning and personal growth.
• The Social Side Effects: Delve into the social consequences of unrestricted cell phone use in schools, from cyberbullying to the erosion of face-to-face communication. Together, we’ll explore the impact on student well-being.
• Academic Integrity at Stake: Explore the challenges posed by cell phones in terms of cheating and academic dishonesty. Join me in discussing the importance of maintaining academic integrity in educational institutions.
• Fostering a Distraction-Free Environment: Consider the benefits of creating a focused, distraction-free learning environment by restricting cell phone usage. Let’s explore how this policy can enhance the quality of education.

Works Cited

• Ferrell, Finessa. “Ask an expert”: Should students have cell phones at school? Chalkbeat.org; published January 24, 2012, found February 2, 2019.
• Nohar, Vanika. Should cell phones be allowed in school? ; Stabreaknews.com; published July 12, 2012. Found February 4, 2019.
• Freed, Richard. Why phones don’t belong in school; M.huffpost.com; published April 13, 2013; found February 4, 2019.
• Vitelli, Amie. 10 reasons why cell phones shouldn’t be allowed in school; Middleboroughtv.com; published December 5, 2018; found February 5, 2019.
• Martinko, Katherine. Why kids shouldn’t take their phones to school; Treehugger.com; published September 6, 2016; found February 5, 2019.

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Argumentative Essay: Cell Phones Should Not Be Allowed in School

The great debate on schools continues. Parents, Teachers, students and many more people have been wondering, should cellphones be allowed in school.cell phones should not be allowed in school.

To begin with, Students are being distracted with their cell phones being in their pockets. They are wasting their time talking to friends and getting notifications while in schoolAccording to “Time to Ban Cell Phones” Source 2 paragraph 3 it says,”As a teacher, I have learned to turn my cell phone off during the day so I can focus on teaching my students. When I turn my cell phone back on at the end of the day, I have numerous  notifications, text messages, and missed phone calls.” A teacher can also be distracted by cell phones so that could happen to a student as well. If they were to get that many notifications they would’ve been not paying attention to class and be on their cell phones responding back.The text also states, “there are reasons why students may need a cell phone but there are many more reasons they shouldn't be allowed”.Students may need a phone but not on them only in there backpacks just in case of a emergency.

Additionally, there are some pros to why cell phones should be allowed but there are more cons. Some important pros are calling parents, education apps and more that help with school. For cons there are students that are cyber bullying, distraction, etc. According to “Time To Ban Cell Phones” Source 2 paragraph 7. It says,“ Cell Phones can be very addictive too.” Kids are being very addicted to cell phones. They are losing social interaction. Some cannot go days without a cell phone.The author goes on to say, “it can also cause problems.” There are many problems with having a phone during school which is also addicting.

Furthermore,  very young children are getting out of hand with them. They are just on their phone all day. According to “Time To Ban Cell Phones”. Source 2 paragraph 8 it states.”if you look around stores and restaurants, many kids are texting and not interacting with their families”. Cell phones are just taking children's social life at this point. They are not interacting with anyone, such as talking when they are walking around. The text also states,”many parents are concerned about this problem.”Parents are wondering why kids are just on their phone all day not talking to them. Thats why parents sometimes check their phone to see if they are doing anything bad or not. 

To sum it all up, phones should not be allowed in school. There are many cons to say. Paragraph 17 in source 2 it states “they say students need face to face contact to develop social skills, expand friendships.

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Argumentative Essay Example: Cell Phones Should Be Banned in Schools

Do you ever sit in a class and realize that students aren’t paying attention because they are distracted by their cell phones? In free periods, just about every student sits on their phone with their head down. Why waste time when you can spend that free time doing school work or interacting with others? In other classes, students are missing out on information because they are on their cell phones. Cell phones are just setting up students for failure. Do we really want students to fail? No. Cell phones should be banned in schools. 

The main reason why students miss out on  information is because of cell phones. When students sit on their cell phones during class, it makes it very difficult for them to stay focused. Since the use of cell phones has increased, cyberbullying is also starting to increase. During the school day, if a student sees that they are left out of a group chat or sees a photo to which they compare themselves too, can make it hard for them to stay focused throughout the school day.

Along with students being distracted, cell phones have caused a decline in communication between students. Joe Clemet, a U.S. government teacher, and Matt Miles, also a teacher, have said that “free periods have deteriorated from lively talk among students and teachers to silent screen reading, each student in a little world.” Clement thought that he could bring back the lively talk of students during a free period class by restricting cell phones. Students responded by not showing up and going to a different free period class where cell phones weren’t  restricted. It has also been found that cell phone use increases the rate of depression. Face-to-face time with friends decreases depression. Creating a school environment without cell phones can help students have a face-to-face interaction with others. This will help create a healthy environment for students in school. 

Furthermore, cell phone use does not boost achievement. Students who are on their cell phones during class time, tend to perform worse on tests (usually a full letter grade or more). According to a study in 2017, some participants were told to keep their cell phones nearby, and the other participants were told to put their cell phones in a different room. Each participant was asked to perform a memory task. The participants with their cell phones did much worse than the participants who didn’t have their cell phones. For instance, in one of my classes, I see students who don’t even pick up their heads because they are on their cell phones. When it's time for them to take a test, they have no idea what they are doing. When they get their test grade back, they seem to not know why they performed so poorly. They performed so poorly because they were distracted by their cell phone. They don’t realize all the information they missed out on. Some schools have changed their cell phone policy and they saw an increase in test scores by 6.41%. This shows that cell phones are causing students to perform poorly. 

Finally, some schools believe that the use of cell phones should not be banned. Some schools have even worked cell phones into the daily curriculum. From text reminders to school apps, cell phones are making the learning system much easier. Even though cell phones are making the learning system easier,  there will be a higher chance that students will cheat, cell phones will still cause distractions, and there will still be less interaction. Even if cell phones are useful tools for the learning system, they still won’t solve these problems. 

In conclusion, cell phones create an unhealthy environment for students. They cause distractions, failure, and less interactions. Cell phones are an unhealthy distraction for students. They should be banned in schools.

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Should Students Have Phones in Class? We Asked Three Portland School Officials.

The issue has sparked fierce debate across the country..

If you don’t have kids, you might not have noticed, but one of the fiercest debates in America is whether children should be allowed to have cellphones.

You can find the argument atop the bestseller list, where social psychologist Jonathan Haidt posits in The Anxious Generation that constant access to social media is destroying a generation’s mental health. You’ll find it in the pages of The New Yorker , where editor David Remnick just interviewed Haidt . And you find it in Florida, the swampy laboratory of our national future, where Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill this month sharply limiting the use of cellphones by students on school grounds. (Presumably, the debate is also occurring via text messages exchanged between the students themselves, but in a lexicon you and I will never understand.)

Last week, WW invited representatives of Portland Public Schools and the Portland Association of Teachers to our offices for a discussion of Measure 26-246, which would renew a property tax levy to pay teachers. While they were here, we broached the question of the cellphone ban. And we found that the people whose work revolves around students disagreed on the right approach to phone use in schools.

In the following video, three people respond to our question: Interim Superintendent Dr. Sandy Husk; Portland Association of Teachers president Angela Bonilla; and Julia Brim-Edwards, a member of the School Board.

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.

An Ohio school banned cellphones. Turns out students actually like it

When was the last time you saw a group of teenagers interact for hours without a cellphone?

At Cincinnati Country Day School in Indian Hill, it happens every day.

Like most schools, Country Day has had a no cellphone policy for years. But kids, teachers and administrators alike admit it was rarely enforced − until this school year, when homeroom teachers started collecting students' phones to be returned at the end of the school day.

Isabel Ramirez, a senior and student body vice president, said she got her first cellphone when she was 13. She constantly used it to chat with friends on social media during the school day, she said, and even made TikToks during her advisory class as a freshman.

Now that she goes eight hours every day away from her phone, Isabel said she's gotten to know her peers better and said she's more productive.

"I go home, pretty much, with no homework now compared to my first couple years of high school," Isabel said.

Schools across the state are considering stricter cellphone policies in response to growing research that shows the devices negatively impact students' mental health, academics and social behavior. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted recently came out in favor of school cellphone bans, too.

Olivia Ims, an eighth-grader at Country Day, didn't get a cellphone herself until earlier this school year. But before then, she said, her classmates' phones got in the way of her building deeper connections with them There was still a no cellphone policy, but before teachers physically kept kids' phones out of sight, Olivia said, students would sneak off to the bathroom during class to check social media.

"In seventh grade, everyone was kind of in their own groups and they would always be talking about what video they saw on TikTok or on Snapchat or on Instagram," she said. "And I would always be clueless."

With the new cellphone policy this year, Olivia said her friends engage with each other more and talk about things everyone can relate to.

"Everything's just more positive now," she said.

What are other schools' cellphone policies?

The Enquirer reviewed dozens of cellphone policies at local school districts in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Some allow kids to use their cellphones during passing periods, before and after school and during lunch. Some require phones to be turned off and tucked away in backpacks or lockers all day. Several of the policies leave cellphone use up to individual teachers. Very few require kids to give up their phones all day like the new policy at Country Day.

More: Schools don't want kids on cellphones. Is banning them the solution?

Princeton High School's universal protocol requires students to drop off their phones at the start of each class period and then pick them up at the end of class. Teachers at Carlisle Jr./Sr. High School have that option, too. Phone caddies are set up in classrooms in case teachers choose to implement the rule.

Similarly, Mount Healthy Junior High School is piloting a program that requires students to place their phones in a lockbox at the start of each core class.

"The overall response has been positive and we are considering expanding the program districtwide," Superintendent Valerie Hawkins said.

Schools in other parts of Ohio, including Akron , use Yondr. The program provides pouches students use to store their phones during the school day, that unlock with a magnetic tap.

Cellphones, social media harmful to kids' mental health

While schools' policies vary, most educators and child advocates agree: overexposure to phones and social media aren't great for kids' mental health, concentration and overall well-being.

A 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General says up to 95% of kids ages 13-17 report they use social media. More than one-third say they use social media "almost constantly." The advisory lists potential mental health, academic and social detriments to kids in addition to compulsive behavior spurred by using social media. Excessive, uncontrollable use of social media platforms has been linked to sleep problems, attention problems and feeling excluded.

Matthew Wood, a freshman at Country Day, admits he has "a really unhealthy habit of constantly checking my phone for notifications." Before the new policy, when his phone was tucked away in his backpack, he said, he'd still check it throughout the day "just to see what popped up."

The new policy is "kind of freeing, in a sense," Matthew said, "to not feel like you need to check that every five seconds."

A consumer research study published in the University of Chicago Press Journals shows the mere presence of cellphones reduces cognitive capacity. A similar study from German researchers is included in the National Library of Medicine and found the presence of cellphones slows work performance and weakens attention spans.

Jeanette Hecker has been teaching world languages at Country Day for 25 years. Cellphones have hindered her students' long-term memories and note-taking skills, she said. Instead of memorizing or writing down instructions and notes during class, before the cellphone ban Hecker would watch students take photos of her board.

This year, she's noticed a shift back to good note-taking. Wood said he's taking better notes now, too.

What about emergencies?

Rob Zimmerman, head of Country Day School, said the research overwhelmingly supported his decision to ban cellphones. Even so, some parents were skeptical of the new policy at the start of the school year, he said. In many cases, parents were the ones contacting their kids during the school day.

"What if there's an emergency?" was a common point of pushback Zimmerman said he got from families.

But after speaking with local law enforcement, Zimmerman said it's actually best that kids don't have cellphones during emergencies. Accurate information and updates are crucial in those moments, and schools can better streamline communication and prevent misinformation from spreading if kids don't have their phones.

"It's been a hugely successful cultural shift for our community − more successful than I thought it might be," Zimmerman said. But he said he doesn't think a cellphone ban would work for every school in Cincinnati. "I also think it's not a one-size-fits-all approach."

Isabel said the transition was difficult at first, but now students are used to being phone-free during the school day. Sometimes, Wood said, he even forgets to get his phone at the end of the day.

"Now, everyone's so much more social," Olivia said. "It's so much more, like, an enjoyable day."

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Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places – IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Dec 08, 2023

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The “Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places” is an Agree/Disagree Writing Task 2 question that has previously appeared in an IELTS test. The essay writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS.

The   IELTS Writing Task 2  i s a section of the IELTS General Training and Academic tests that assesses your ability to write a well-structured and coherent essay in response to a given topic.

In this task, you’re presented with “Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places” IELTS Writing Task 2 agree or disagree essay that asks to what extent you agree or disagree with the given statement. So, you are allowed to give a partial view of it at times to address it. To further hone your IELTS writing skills, check out a comprehensive collection of  IELTS writing task 2 practice tests  from IELTSMaterial.com.

Here, you get access to 3 IELTS writing task 2 Agree/Disagree sample answers ranging from band 7-9 along with their vocabulary highlighted. So, why wait? Start reading the blog!

Before Diving into the Given IELTS Writing Task 2 Answer, Know the Secret 9 Expert Tips to Score a Band 8+ Now!

Learn some more ways to Achieve a band score of 8 for Writing Task 2 and check out the IELTS essay for ‘Individual Greed and Selfishness Have Been the Basis of Modern Society’ given below.

Band 7 Sample Answer For Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places Writing Task 2

Mobile phones in this modern world play a vital role in sharing information and bringing people closer. Due to its constant usage, it has become a basic necessity and some feel that prohibiting mobile phone usage in public places is a good move. However, I partially agree with it and believe that allowing it in public places with some restrictions will be fine. This essay will talk about both cases with proper examples.

To begin with, using cell phones in public spaces might be a distraction to other people and divert their attention. For example, in libraries where people are found reading books of their interest, they can be easily distracted when a person’s ringtone of an incoming call strikes all of a sudden or when any individual is found talking over the phone in a loud manner. Moreover, using phones in places like hospitals can also easily interfere with the serene environment that is a much-needed one for the patients. Hence, restricting people from using mobiles in these kinds of common places can help fellow mates to carry on with their lives peacefully.

On the other hand, prohibiting the usage of mobile phones in public spaces can cause problems for people as well in some instances. For example, if an individual wanted to contact their loved ones in case of an emergency, they wouldn’t be able to reach them instantly without a mobile phone in hand. Adding on to this, people usually love listening to music during travel and mobile phones can without hassle be switched to a silent mode, and this will not disturb others.

In conclusion, I, in fact, believe that phones can be allowed in public places but with some specific restrictions so that people can remain in touch with their friends and family members whenever they need to.

Meaning: Absolutely necessary or essential.

Example: Regular exercise is vital for maintaining good health.

• Distraction

Meaning: Something that diverts attention or prevents concentration.

Example: Loud conversations on mobile phones can be a distraction in public places like libraries.

Meaning: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

Example: The view of the sunset over the lake created a serene atmosphere in the park.

Meaning: To become involved or meddle in the affairs of others.

Example: Talking loudly on the phone in a hospital waiting room can interfere with the patients’ rest.

Meaning: Including all.

Example: The event was designed to be inclusive, welcoming people from various backgrounds.

Meaning: A situation causing difficulty or trouble.

Example: Switching your phone to silent mode is a simple solution to avoid any hassle in public spaces.

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Band 8 Sample Answer For Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places Writing Task 2

With the popularity of mobile phones these days, their usage has become an integral part of our routine. While some people maintain that they should be not allowed in public places like libraries, shops and public transport, I firmly disagree with this notion, believing that mobile phones, when used responsibly in public, contribute to more positive acts than negative ones. This essay will disagree with the given statement and present my points with appropriate examples.

To begin with, mobile phones enhance convenience and connectivity in public places. In shops, for instance, they enable quick communication for price inquiries or coordinating with family members. As a result, banning them in these places might hinder efficient and timely interactions, negatively impacting the overall shopping experience.

Moreover, public transport heavily relies on mobile phones for navigation, information retrieval, and entertainment during commutes. For example, people who travel often use map applications to plan efficient routes or check real-time transport schedules, enhancing their travel experience. Restricting their use could deprive commuters of valuable tools, making their journeys less enjoyable and potentially less productive.

Rather than a ban, promoting responsible phone usage is a more pragmatic approach. Establishing guidelines for silent mode and discreet conversations in libraries, shops, and on public transport can address noise concerns without sacrificing the many benefits mobile phones bring to these settings.

In conclusion, I believe encouraging responsible use ensures that the advantages of mobile technology continue to enhance our experiences in a common place without disturbing our fellow mates.

• Integral part

Meaning: Essential or necessary component, forming a fundamental part of a whole.

Example: Team collaboration is an integral part of our project’s success; each member’s contribution is vital to achieving our goals.

Meaning: A belief or idea.

Example: The notion that hard work leads to success is ingrained in many cultures.

Meaning: Occurring at the right time or suitable moment.

Example: The timely intervention of emergency services saved lives during the natural disaster.

Meaning: Forming a consistent or orderly whole; free from disagreement or dissent.

Example: The community lived in a harmonious coexistence, respecting each other’s differences.

• Restricting

Meaning: Limiting or controlling something.

Example: Restricting access to sensitive information ensures the security of confidential data.

Meaning: To deny someone the possession or use of something.

Example: Lack of education can deprive individuals of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Meaning: Achieving or producing a significant amount or result.

Example: A well-organized workspace can contribute to a more productive work environment.

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Band 9 Sample Answer For Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places Writing Task 2

Unlock Band 9 Sample Answer and Vocabulary!

The question of whether mobile phones should be prohibited in public places has generated diverse opinions. I agree with the statement that banning mobile phones in areas like libraries, institutions, civic buildings, public transport, etc. could foster a more tranquil and peaceful environment. This essay will agree with the given statement and proper examples will be given to support my points.

Firstly, the use of mobile phones in libraries poses a threat to the quiet ambience necessary for studying and reading. Moreover, constant ringing and loud conversations can disrupt the concentration of individuals seeking a serene space for academic purposes. As a result, banning phones and their usage in these types of areas would undoubtedly contribute to a more conducive learning environment.

Similarly, in shops, mobile phones often lead to distractions and inefficiencies for the staff. For instance, when a customer is engrossed in phone conversations, they might not pay attention to the staff to let them do their job of serving the customer, affecting both their service and sometimes might lead to making them feel disrespectful. Additionally, on public transport, the use of cell phones with loud conversations or media playback without headphones can result in noise disturbances and discomfort for fellow passengers. Henceforth, implementing a ban on mobile phone usage would contribute to a more peaceful and enjoyable commuting experience for all.

In conclusion, a ban on mobile phones in public places aligns with the goal of creating orderly and focused environments. I believe this initiative would undoubtedly contribute to a more harmonious coexistence in public spaces.

Meaning: Officially forbidden or not allowed.

Example: Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces to ensure a healthy environment.

Meaning: Discussions involving opposing viewpoints or arguments.

Example: The political debate focused on economic policies and their impact on the country.

Meaning: Showing a great deal of variety; different.

Example: The committee had a diverse range of opinions on the proposed policy changes.

Meaning: Calm and peaceful.

Example: The garden provided a tranquil retreat from the bustling city, allowing visitors to relax.

Meaning: Completely absorbed or focused on something.

Example: The students were engrossed in their research, unaware of the passing time.

• Inefficiencies

Meaning: Actions or processes that are not effective or productive.

Example: The new software streamlined operations, eliminating inefficiencies and improving workflow.

Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers

Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:

• To begin with
• On the other hand
• As a result
• Additionally
• In conclusion
• To conclude

Remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree essays like the ‘Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places IELTS Writing Task 2.’

Useful Links:

• People from prison – Agree or disagree essay
• Animals Are in Danger of Extinction – Writing Task 2 Agree and Disagree 
• IELTS Writing Actual Test In 2016 & Band 8.0 Sample Advantage/Disadvantage Essays
• IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Of Band 8.5 – Topic: Traffic & Accommodation
• IELTS Writing Actual Test & Band 9.0 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay – Topic: Gap Year

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Nehasri Ravishenbagam, a Senior Content Marketing Specialist and a Certified IELTS Trainer of 3 years, crafts her writings in an engaging way with proper SEO practices. She specializes in creating a variety of content for IELTS, CELPIP, TOEFL, and certain immigration-related topics. As a student of literature, she enjoys freelancing for websites and magazines to balance her profession in marketing and her passion for creativity!

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