Should Cellphone Use Be Regulated in Classrooms?

Written By Nicholas Lapierre

Photo by Rahul Chakraborty on Unsplash

Using phones can be a significant distraction in the classroom and impact students' learning. According to McCoy’s (2016) study, university students spent 20.9% of their time distracted by smartphones and other devices. The distractions can detract from class time which poses a problem to teachers who are attempting to teach their students. It's important to note that many professors disagree with phones in the classroom because they view it as a form of distraction. To combat the misuse of phones in class, some professors have implemented more group activities so students can interact with each other. So, if professors disagree with using phones in classrooms, then maybe they should be banned as a way to enhance higher learning. To answer this question, examining the psychological research on phones is essential.

How does cell phone use in class impact academic performance?

Phones hurt students' learning process, and removing phones would likely improve academic performance. In one study, those who texted during class were more likely to receive a lower GPA. Regulating phone use may be a logical solution to promoting students' academic performance. According to a recent study, standardized test scores increased by 6 percent when phones were banned (Beland & Murphy, 2016). A study by Ismailov (2014) discovered that texting had a negative impact on students' writing skills. It's not to say that phones will significantly lower a student's intelligence, but it's not overreaching to say that they can be distracting. Students talking on the phone during class cause an even more significant disconnect between students and professors. Courses like English literature and philosophy often assess students on participation and discussion.

According to the Canadian Philosophical Association, only by engaging in conversation are students effectively able to understand ideas in class. Unfortunately, many students who use cell phones use them for personal use instead of academics. For instance, a study by Kohlhar (2021) evaluated the effects of social media use during class and found that 52% of the participants reported that their learning was affected by it. The study reported that excessive phone usage impacted other areas such as sleep habits and social interaction. Arguably, bad sleeping habits are a problem in themselves that can lead to poor academic performance. For instance, a study by Curcio (2006) stated that poor sleepers were more prone to failing at school. Yet poor sleeping is only one of the many issues that phones can cause students in their academic career.

Connecting with others' opinions in classroom discussions is critical to a successful learning experience. Scholars argue that if these issues occur within universities, new policies must be implemented to ensure students are focused within their classroom environment.

Photo by Maxim Ilyahov on Unsplash

How do phones affect the classroom environment?

It's certainly not uncommon to hear stories of professors banning phones for the purpose of their students' education. A study by Froese (2010) suggested using phones does not lower students' intelligence. However, another study suggested that students had lower productivity in activities like a 10-item quiz when they had been using their phones prior to the test. Additionally, when a phone rings in class, it creates a disruption that causes 20 to 40% of students to do worse on tests and exams.

The latter research explains why some professors may consider banning phones from the class entirely. It's important for students to take breaks from their phones so they can regain their focus. One solution could be to assign students specific times within the class during which they can check important emails and messages. Moreover, if students are able to balance the time they spend on their cellphones with studying, their productivity may increase. Everyone is guilty of checking their phone a little too often; learning to use technology at the right time can make all the difference. If phones are a major distraction to students in the classroom, then maybe a new policy should be created to enhance student productivity.  

Ultimately, cell phone use is an issue in the classroom that should not interfere with students' learning. University students constantly strive to improve, and regulating phone use could enhance their academic performance. Phones are unnecessary in classes that rely heavily on discussion and debate. Though students are reluctant to give up their phones, doing so could be a step toward enhancing studying rituals and students' overall academic performance. It's okay to check the news and monitor social media, but phones have no purpose in the classroom when critical information is conveyed. Technology is a great resource, but it can harm a student's learning when misused.