Placing restrictions on cell phones is gaining steam in schools across the country. Several states are outright banning phones in classrooms. Supporters argue that by limiting the use of phones during the school day, students will benefit from increased social interaction and less social media-induced anxiety. However, some students will be disappointed by restrictions and some parents may be concerned about how they can communicate with their children in case of schedule changes or emergencies.
According to clinical psychologist and author of Anything But My Phone, Mom!, Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler, part of educating students in the digital age is teaching them how and when to use technology responsibly and safely.
"Neuroscience confirms what parents, teachers, and school administrators see every day: with their still-developing brains, students are vulnerable to overusing or misusing cell phones. Even with enforceable rules in place, kids are distracted in class and teachers are forced to function as phone police," Cohen-Sandler said. "What works best are devices designed for collecting phones when students enter schools.”
Cohen-Sandler said when phones or tablets are needed for academic research or other tasks, they should be available and limiting cell phone use in certain situations or in between classes makes sense.
"When they are unnecessary and likely distractions, students should not have access to them. Schools that are considering banning cell phones during lunch, recess, and passing times in hallways should know that once students get used to restrictions (i.e., they no longer go through dopamine withdrawal), they almost always report significant improvements in their lives. They feel happier, less anxious, and more connected to their classmates. Instead of scrolling or texting during lunch, they’re actually talking to the kids around them,” Cohen-Sandler said.
Cohen-Sandler also said it is extremely important for school leaders to educate parents about how cell phone use affects the development and mental health of young people and also mitigate parents’ resistance by addressing how they will be able to get in touch with their students’ during the school day if there is a catastrophic event, emergency or a change in schedule or carpool arrangements.
Cohen-Sandler is a featured guest on the most recent episode of West40's podcast, Shift Everything. You can learn more about Cohen-Sandler, her work, and her book, Anything But My Phone, Mom! , on her website.
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