Schools Embrace Smartphone Bans, Boosting Focus and Learning!

Quick Smiles:

• Over 90% of schools in England have independently banned smartphones.
• Education leaders support school autonomy over government regulation.
• 13 U.S. states have taken steps to manage smartphone use in schools.

In a remarkable display of initiative, more than 90% of schools in England have implemented bans on smartphones, showcasing the power of school autonomy over centralized regulation.

A survey involving over 15,000 schools revealed that 99.8% of elementary and 90% of middle schools have embraced some form of smartphone restriction.

This approach has been largely supported by UK education leaders, who believe in empowering schools to make their own decisions.

Education Secretary Bridget Philipson emphasized the success of this strategy, stating that the survey results provide “comprehensive evidence” that “shows our approach of backing headteachers to implement bans in their schools is working.”

The positive impact of these bans is becoming increasingly evident.

Tom Rees, chief executive of the Ormiston academies trust, remarked, “A lot of this is about a battle for attention, a battle for focus and concentration.”

He added, “There’s evidence that tells us that even if your phone is in the same room, it could be in your bag or pocket, your brain is leaking attention.”

Ormiston academies were pioneers in adopting a smartphone-free environment, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Justine Elbourne-Cload, co-chair of the St Albans primary schools consortium, shared that the parental response to their total smartphone ban for under-14s has been “phenomenal.”

“They are really onboard. Parents are crying out for that support,” she noted.

Across the Atlantic, several U.S. states are also taking action to limit smartphone use in schools.

States like Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas have initiated grant programs to support schools in managing device usage.

Florida and California have already passed prohibitions, with California’s mandate taking full effect by the end of the next school year.

Meanwhile, Ohio, Virginia, Minnesota, Indiana, and Louisiana have introduced measures requiring schools to devise their own strategies for reducing smartphone use during school hours.

In states such as Washington and Alabama, non-binding measures encourage schools to take initiative without mandating specific actions.

Washington schools superintendent Chris Reykdal emphasized the benefits, stating, “The research is clear: Reducing the use of cellphones in class improves concentration and learning, improves mental and physical health, and reduces pressures caused by social media.”

As more educational institutions recognize the advantages of limiting smartphone use, the trend towards fostering focused and engaged learning environments continues to grow.

Source