Discover 10 reasons why phones should be allowed in school, from enhancing learning and communication to preparing students for the future. Explore the benefits of responsible phone use in education.
According to recent statistics, 95% of teenagers have access to a smartphone. With such remarkable figures, schools across the world are still banning smartphones completely.
The divide on whether smartphones should be allowed in schools breaks etiquette and has been a topic of issue for years. While some see smartphones as an accessory that leads to major distractions and contributes to issues like cyberbullying, others believe that they are powerful tools which, if put to appropriate use, can enhance both learning as well as safety.
Rather than having a blanket ban on smartphone usage, regulated use of phones can be adopted by schools. Additionally, smartphones make it possible to have access to invaluable information instantly, increasing efficiency at school.
In case of emergencies, communication can be instantly established, greatly enhancing safety. By formulating and establishing certain policies, students can be taught the skills and responsibilities that come with life in the digital world.
Boundaries set in policies will allow schools to convert the smartphone dilemma from a problem to a solution.
10 Reasons Why Phones Should Be Allowed in School PDF
10 Reasons Why Phones Should Be Allowed in School
What if phones in school could actually improve learning and help students succeed? Let’s explore how these devices can be powerful tools in the classroom when used the right way.
Reason 1: Access to Educational Apps and Digital Resources
Phones give learners a high level of accessibility to tools and services like applications, e-books, and websites, making learning enjoyable and more productive.
Examples
Khan Academy – Offers free courses in math, science, and history as well as videos and quizzes.
Quizlet – Make flashcards and quizzes for studying and reviewing materials.
Duolingo – Learn different languages with fun lessons that look like games.
Google Classroom – All your assignments and materials are organized in one place.
Coursera & Udemy- Their primary focus is providing online courses on a wide variety of subjects while charging little to nothing.
Benefits
Make learning videos, quizzes, and games more interactive as well as interesting.
Allow you to study anytime and anywhere at your convincing pace.
Enable everyone to learn at their convenience whether that is through watching, listening or participating by doing.
Help with staying organized and on top of school work.
Reason 2: Improved Communication and Safety
Phones help teachers, students, and parents stay connected with real-time updates, making communication faster and easier.
Examples
Group chats – Teachers, students, and parents can quickly coordinate projects or share important updates.
Emergency alerts – Schools can send instant messages during crises, such as lockdowns or medical emergencies, to keep everyone informed.
Benefit
Ensures quick responses in urgent situations.
Keeps everyone informed and safe during emergencies.
Helps teachers and parents stay updated on students’ progress and any school activities.
Reason 3: Enhanced Organization and Time Management
Phones provide calendars, reminders, and task managers which help students to be organized and manage their time well.
Examples
Google classroom: An app that centralizes all assignments and deadlines for easy tracking.
Todoist: A to-do list that helps you schedule tasks and provides reminders.
Digital Planners: Helps to organize schedules, keep track of homework, and set achievable goals.
Benefit
Facilitates students’ responsibility by having them manage tasks assigned to them.
Improved time management by being aware of deadlines.
Self-management skills learned in school that are applicable later in life.
Reason 4: Development of Digital Literacy
To be able to use technology with responsibility is an important asset to have in today’s world which allows students to perform well academically and in their future career endeavors.
Examples
Finding reliable information – Students learn how to vet resources used in research as well as how to steer clear of unreliable sources such as misinformation articles on social networks.
Using the internet responsibly – Students must be taught to communicate with others in a courteous and professional manner through email, chatting, social media, and so on.
Adjusting safety measures – Teaching students how to limit the information shared about themselves and stay safe.
Benefits
Prepares students for a digital world where they have to possess some level of computer proficiency.
Enables students to learn safety measures when interacting on the internet as responsible digital citizens.
Develops skills important for future studies, work, and everyday activities.
Reason 5: Real-Time Research and Fact-Checking
Phones make it easy to quickly check facts and verify information during discussions, helping students think critically and stay informed.
Examples
Exploring current events – Students can instantly look up news stories to understand what’s happening in the world.
Clarifying misconceptions in debates – Phones help students fact-check statements during discussions, ensuring accurate information is shared.
Searching for answers – If there’s a question or confusion, students can quickly find reliable sources to clear things up.
Benefit
Encourages critical thinking by verifying information on the spot.
Promotes curiosity by making it easy to explore new topics and ideas.
Helps students develop skills to identify accurate information and challenge false claims.
Reason 6: Creativity Through Multimedia Projects
Explanation: The multimedia smartphone capabilities, such as its camera and editing software, allow students to develop projects in innovative ways.
Examples
Creating podcasts – The students can make podcasts on various topics that they can narrate as well as edit using different audio software.
Making videos – Students can take videos and edit them using their phones for creative assignments or even class video presentations.
Digital art – Students can use mobile applications to create drawings and even graphic designs to showcase their creativity.
Benefits
Promotes creativity by providing students with various mediums to express their thoughts.
Increases student’s proficiency in video editing and graphic design through the use of multimedia software tools.
Encourages the skills of originality and invention.
Reason 7: Collaboration and Peer Learning
Phones enable students to communicate even when they are not in person together, which makes it easier to collaborate on various projects and learn from each other.
Examples
Google Docs – Group members are able to write essays or work on other projects simultaneously by adding and editing ideas in real time.
Zoom STUDY SESSIONS – Students can join video calls to share lessons, ask questions, and assist each other in studying.
Online shared boards – Students can use Padlet or Trello to brainstorm, organize, and share ideas for group tasks.
Benefit
Cultivates collaboration skills because students can work and interact with other people even if they don’t know them personally.
Fosters technology marvel adaptability because students have to interact with different people through the use of technology.
Helps students to understand their future employment where collaboration and working together is done at remote locations.
Reason 8: Personalized Learning Opportunities
Explanation: Smartphones come with applications that let each student learn at their own pace, allowing for more effective learning.
Examples
Photomath- Aids students in understanding how to approach math problems with step by step solutions and explanations.
Adaptive quizzes – Programs that modify the level of question difficulty in response to how the learner is performing.
Reading apps – Customized reading guides based on the student’s level and personal interests.
Benefit
This feature caters for learners who require additional information to those who are more
advanced and in more challenging material.
Makes learning less difficult since students take control over how fast they want to learn.
Students become more engaged because they can visualize their improvement and new skills they have acquired.
Reason 9: Cost-Effective BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policies
Explanation: Students being able to bring their own personal devices to school lowers school expenditure on expensive devices.
Examples
Schools with BYOD policies – Certain school districts have programs that allow low income students to borrow devices, or bring their own, increasing access to tech.
Low-cost tech solutions – Schools allow students to bring their personal smartphones, tablets and laptops for educational purposes.
Benefit
Obtains savings from reduced licensing and support costs of devices, narrowband, and educational resources.
Students from low economic background are able to attain the technology to enable them to learn.
Achieves financial savings for the school as well as effortless provision of technology to learners.
Reason 10: Preparation for the Modern Workforce
Technology is an integral component to many careers, and student phones facilitate the acquisition of skills necessary to excel in nearly every occupation.
Examples
Slack – A messaging platform that is widely used in organizations for quick interaction.
Trello – A project management platform that is used to organize work and team collaboration.
Email – A primary means of business communication, especially for formal correspondence like emails.
Cloud-based tools – Applications for document storage and sharing, like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive.
Benefit
Equips pupils with desirable technological competencies relevant to the workplace.
Facilitates entry into professions that involve the utilization of technology on a routine basis.
Enables learners to efficiently perform task organization, effective communication and collaboration over the internet.
Addressing Counterarguments
Phones in school can bring up a lot of concerns, but what if we could find ways to make them work in a positive way? Let’s look at how we can tackle some of the common issues and make phones helpful for students.
Distractions and Screen Time
Counterargument: Phones can distract students with social media, games, or non-educational apps.
Response: Schools can implement strict usage guidelines, use apps that limit distractions, and encourage focused learning periods.
Privacy and Security Concerns
Counterargument: Using phones for learning might expose students to privacy risks or inappropriate content.
Response: Schools can use secure platforms, teach students about online safety, and monitor app usage to ensure safety.
Inequity and Access Issues
Counterargument: Not all students have access to smartphones or the internet, creating inequality.
Response: BYOD programs can help provide resources to students in need, and schools can offer loaner devices or subsidize internet access.
Over-Reliance on Technology
Counterargument: Relying too much on phones could reduce face-to-face interaction and traditional learning methods.
Response: Phones should complement, not replace, traditional learning; they enhance interaction and collaboration when used responsibly.
Health Concerns
Counterargument: Prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, sleep problems, or affect mental health.
Response: Encourage balanced screen time, regular breaks, and the use of health-conscious settings like blue light filters.
Conclusion
With the right policies in place, phones can enhance teamwork, creativity, and individual learning for students. Phones can also provide students with different methods of learning, such as videos, podcasts, or digital art.
In addition, phones can teach students important technology skills that are crucial for their careers. Phones also allow students to access new learning tools, as well as communicate with their teachers, parents, and peers more effectively.
Having the ability to remind students and organize their calendars also proved to be useful. Students may be more distracted or have easier access to inappropriate material, but these concerns can be addressed by providing clear boundaries and setting up monitoring options.
In the long run, having the ability to use phones in school allows students to prepare for the digitally driven world they will soon encounter.
Maroc Jameson is a dedicated educator with a strong commitment to enhancing learning experiences. He specializes in presenting information through concise “10 tips” formats, covering various topics such as “10 reasons to pursue a new skill” and “10 important benefits of reading.”
