Cell phones in the classroom, learning tools or distractions?

School systems throughout the nation, and likely in many countries throughout the world are no doubt struggling with the decision of whether to allow cell phones in classrooms.

Some say allowing students to have access to online content via personal cell phones or similar devices while in the classrooms aids in the teaching process by giving students access of multimedia platforms and information on any given subject matter and allows students access to educational apps designed help students to better manage time.

Many parents and guardians also believe that allowing students to have cell phones in the classrooms provides them with a sense of security and eases anxiety of adults who are concerned about student safety and feel the need to be able to contact the student throughout the school day.

Conversely, many others see cell phones in the classroom as a potential distraction as students, even when told not to, access non-study-related content, send text messages to each other and take photographs of fellow students and teachers.

There are also those who believe that by allowing phones in the classrooms, students are not as actively engaged with other students or paying attention to instruction as they would be if the phones were inaccessible. Other concerns of those who do no want cell phones in the classroom include the possibility of bullying or harassment by fellow students and cheating on tests.

DeKalb County School District’s official policy on cell phone usage is that during the instructional day—which includes classroom time, lunch periods, class changes, study halls and instructional activities—the cell phones must be turned off and kept out of view unless approved for instructional processes. Text messaging is allowed. Special permission may be granted for students with medical conditions or other unusual circumstances.

City Schools of Decatur’s policies on cell phones differ depending on input from school administrators and grade levels. No personal electronics are allowed to be used by elementary school students; middle school students are not allowed to have cell phones, but students attending Decatur High School are allowed to carry and use cell phones under the “bring your own device policy.”

Today’s young people are often attached to digital devices and get angry when they are not allowed to have their devices; research shows that some are actually addicted to their digital devices and experience withdrawal symptoms. Wirelesseducation.com says research on video games, which many children are allowed by parents to participate in daily, has shown that dopamine is released during gaming and that “cravings or urges for gaming produces brain changes that are similar to drug cravings.”

If school systems allow digital devices in the classroom, the devices should be provided as instructional material by the system, have strict usage guidelines and able to be controlled by the teacher.

My belief is that unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances, cell phones should never be allowed in the classroom.