WHY SOME EXPERTS WANT PHONES BANNED IN SCHOOLS

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WHY SOME EXPERTS WANT PHONES BANNED IN SCHOOLS

Imagine a classroom where the teacher is explaining an important lesson, but several students are secretly checking WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, games or notifications.

The problem may not be that the students are not intelligent.

Their attention is simply being pulled in too many directions.

That is one reason phone restrictions in schools are spreading rapidly around the world. UNESCO reported in 2026 that 114 education systems—58% of countries worldwide—now have national restrictions or bans on mobile phones in schools.

So why are educators and experts concerned?


1. Phones can destroy concentration

Even when a student isn't actively using a phone, its presence or incoming notifications can become a distraction. Research reviewed by UNESCO found that smartphone use can interfere with learning and reduce students' ability to stay focused.

2. Social media competes with the classroom

A lesson about mathematics, science or history has to compete with endless videos, messages and notifications designed to keep young people engaged.

3. Phones can encourage cheating

Internet-connected devices make it easier for students to access answers during tests and assignments instead of developing their own understanding.

4. Cyberbullying doesn't stop at the school gate

Phones can bring social pressure, bullying and harmful online content directly into the school environment.

5. Students may interact less with one another

When every break becomes an opportunity to stare at a screen, students have fewer opportunities for face-to-face conversations, games and social development.

But there is an important part of the debate that is often missed.

Banning phones does NOT automatically improve education.

Some recent research has found that phone restrictions do not necessarily produce immediate improvements in test scores or attendance.

UNESCO also argues that schools should teach students responsible digital behaviour rather than simply treating technology as the enemy.

So perhaps the real question isn't:

“Should children have phones?”

It is:

“When should children use phones, and when should they be completely present?”

Technology is powerful.

But a child also needs to learn how to concentrate, communicate face-to-face, think independently and be comfortable without a screen.

The goal shouldn't necessarily be to keep technology away from children forever.

It should be to make sure technology serves education—not the other way around.

What do you think?

Should phones be completely banned during school hours, or should schools teach students how to use them responsibly?

#Education #Parenting #Technology #Smartphones #Schools #DigitalWellbeing #HealthAndMore

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