Smartphone-free schools
More focus, better learning, stronger communities.
Smartphones and the internet have revolutionized the world and our everyday lives. This revolution has had a visible impact on our schools and therefore on everyday school life. In our opinion, it is time to harmonize the use of smartphones and everyday school life in order to ensure the best possible educational work.
Reasons for a “smartphone-free school”
Vandalism damage caused by TikTok challenges, cyberbullying due to photos taken illegally in class, secret videos in school toilets and their distribution along with resource-intensive disciplinary conferences, the “FOMO” (fear of missing out) of students missing messages on Snapchat or Whatsapp while sitting in class. Added to this is the distraction caused by mobile games, which not only disrupt concentration in class, but can also lead to excessive gaming behavior and social withdrawal - these are just numerous examples of why there has recently been a lot of talk about rethinking the use of digital devices in schools.
Studies such as that conducted by the London School of Economics have long shown that schools that ban smartphones see significant increases in pupil performance. In this study, it was found that students who study without smartphones not only achieve better grades, but also show increased participation in class. The researchers found that the absence of distractions from cell phones leads to deeper engagement with learning content, which has a positive effect on learning and social interaction.
Zur Studie: BELAND AND MURPHY (2015): Ill Communication: Technology, Distraction & Student Performance
The UNESCO report, known as the Global Education Monitoring Report, also recommends regulating smartphones in schools. It highlights that such a ban not only improves students' concentration, but also enhances their social interactions by minimizing distractions and reducing bullying.
Zum UNESCO- Bericht: Global Education Monitoring Report 2023
The study by Sara Abrahamsson (Norwegian School of Economics) shows that smartphone bans in schools bring about significant improvements in students' academic performance. Students who study in a smartphone-free environment achieve better grades and show less distraction. The study also documents a positive impact on mental health, with less stress and signs of anxiety. In addition, social behavior is reported to be improved as bullying and conflict decrease. These results underline the benefits of reduced smartphone use in education.
Zur Studie: ABRAHAMSSON (2024) Smartphone Bans, Student Outcomes and Mental Health
Benefits of the “smartphone-free school”
- Reduced distraction - teachers report improved concentration, attention and understanding, leading to better skills and grades.
- Less cyberbullying - students can feel safe and free without fear of being secretly filmed or photographed.
- Fewer social media related conflicts - School administrators report spending significantly less time on disciplinary actions.
- Increased engagement - Students are more engaged with their peers and teachers, both inside and outside the classroom.
- More lively breaks - In smartphone-free schools, the lunch break is much livelier because the student body is talking and interacting face-to-face.
- More reading - Smartphone-free schools report an increase in the number of books borrowed from their libraries.
- Increased efficiency - Teachers report that they can focus on their core business of teaching again and no longer have to play “cell phone police” when supervising.
- Less absenteeism and disruption during lessons - pupils use the toilet less often because they can no longer use their cell phones there.
- Less cheating - a major opportunity for cheating is eliminated.
- Improved teacher morale and safety - the risk of cyberbullying against teachers is eliminated.
- Less mental stress - School counselors are seeing a decrease in the number of visits from students for mental health issues.
Would you like to convince your staff or school management of the benefits of a “smartphone-free school”?
Then download our free flyer “The smartphone-free school” here
