Why Cell Phones Should be Banned in Schools (Essay Example)

Most kids ages 12-18 typically have and use a cell phone, but many people don’t see the downsides of using one. Because of this many schools are trying to ban cell phone usage. Cell phones impact students in negative ways. There should be a ban on cell phones at schools. First of all, students who use their phones more often tend to have ADHD, so they have difficulty concentrating in class. Second, using social media can lead to an unsafe environment for students.

The first reason why students should be allowed to have phones in school is that students who tend to use their phones more often experience ADHD. This was proven in the article, Study finds link between heavy use of digital media and ADHD in teens, states, “ Researchers found that those who engaged in more digital media activities reported a rising number of symptoms linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People with ADHD have a hard time focusing and often feel restless and fidgety." This shows that students using their phones during or after school could be less likely to focus causing their grades to fall. This will affect them in the long run. The article, Study finds link between heavy use of digital media and ADHD in teens, states,” Four out of 5 students acknowledged "high-frequency use" of at least one activity. Those included 54 percent who told researchers they checked social media ``many times per day." Just over two-thirds engaged in high-frequency use of up to four online activities at some point during the study." this indicates that when students are studying they easily get distracted by electronic devices while trying to learn. This habit can be difficult to manage during the school day.

The second reason why students should be allowed to use phones in school is that students who browse online are at risk of their safety. The article, Debating the Use of Digital Devices in the Classroom, states, “Cyberbullying: This is an increasing issue that’s grown exponentially in recent years. Permitting the use of digital devices in the classroom could potentially lead to more of it." Students should feel at ease while at school. However, they cannot feel safe unless a safe place is created without bullying. Typically what happens online comes into the school and is talked about. School should be a safe learning environment when phones are banned. That can be made possible because cyberbullying is out of mind. The article, Debating the Use of Digital Devices in the Classroom, states “Child predators: Child predators are a problem everywhere. Using digital devices at school creates just that much more exposure and potential danger for students” When students use their phones at school this creates an unsafe environment because there are predators and can access more than one student in the case that kids post pictures with their friends.

Many people may be unaware that utilizing a phone in the classroom could benefit students because it has a calculator or can explain how to solve a problem. However, this is not the case. The article, 5 Benefits of Using Cellphones in School: Smartphones as Learning Tools states,” According to New America, as of June 2015, there were over 80,000 educational apps available in the app store. From colors to ABCs to “The Little Engine That Could,” what used to be taught through books can now be learned through apps—and that’s just for younger generations. The applications for using smartphones from preschool through college are in place and growing.” Many people can see how that may benefit the children but when they get a text from their friend or a game notification, school is out of mind and so is the app they are learning from, and students then are not focused.

In conclusion, it should not be permitted to use cell phones at school because students who use their phones more often are more likely to have ADHD and be unable to concentrate in class; and, social media can create an unsafe environment for students.