What are the pros and cons of mobile phones in schools?

Jon Gibson, Backdrop Leadership Group

Bringing mobile phones into schools comes with positive and negatives and this article is meant to stimulate thought and discussion around the 'both sides of the mobile phone fence'. It focused on ‘mobile phones’ but much of what is said here is also true for mobile devices like ‘smart watches’ etc.

I accept that some will agree and disagree with what has been said here. That's life's rich tapestry!

School's Current Polices

I am sure that there are many different mobile phone policies in schools across our ‘green and pleasant lands’. However, in many cases, I suspect that schools are be advising something similar to this:

• Students should not bring expensive or valuable mobile phones to school, as the school will not take responsibility for any loss or damage that occurs.
• If they are brought in, mobile phones must be turned off and not used during school hours, which may including breaks and lunchtime.
• If a school allows the phones on site, they may be allowed to be used for learning enhancing activities in the classroom, when the teacher gives permission.
• In exceptional circumstances, where there is a specific need for a student to have a mobile phone, schools may have arrangements in place to allow some students to keep their phone on them and switched on. For example, the parents of children with diabetes and students with diabetes are ever more increasingly monitoring the medical condition using mobile phones. It is not uncommon now for a parent call their child if they have a ‘high’ or a ‘low’ reading and to ask that child to take reparative action to address this.

What are to pros to having mobile phones in schools?

There are pros to having mobile phones in schools. These are some:

• Enhanced communication: Mobile phones allow students to easily communicate with their parents, guardians, and emergency services in case of any urgent situation. I myself am guilty of sending messages to my children to inform them of last minute changes to arrangements or to remind them of something they needed to now or remember.
• Health: as previously discussed, mobile phones can be excellent tools to manage and support medical conditions like diabetes. This benefit alone will make it unlikely that a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools will happen in schools in England. Not without, clearly defined exceptions.
• Access to information: With mobile phones, students have quick access to online resources that enable them to research and gather information efficiently.I have seen my own children use phones to find information for an assignment .
• Educational tools: Mobile phones can be utilised as educational tools for many different age ranges. Using apps and platforms that facilitate learning, including language learning apps (Duolingo), educational games (Reading Eggs), and interactive study and revision materials (GCSEpod).
• Organization and time management manage their time effectively: Students can use their phones to set reminders, create to-do lists, and schedule events and assignments. Possibly improving their productivity and helping them stay on top of their homework. For example: Many schools use electronic homework tools, apps that provide instant access to the student’s timetables on and so on. Anyone who has worked in schools before the modern app that includes timetables, will know the daily chore of reprinting lost timetables or talking to parents about homework they had not idea their child had. Parents can be better informed about the homework that their child has been set
• Collaboration: Mobile phones enable students to collaborate with their peers on group projects or assignments, regardless of their physical location.

What are to cons to having mobile phones in schools?

There are, as you can imagine, here is a representation of the cons.

• Distraction: Mobile phones can be a major source of distraction for students during class.
• Cheating: Mobile phones can provide students with an easy way to cheat on tests or exams.
• Health concerns: There are ongoing debates about the potential long-term effects of mobile phone use, including the risk of cancer and other health issues.
• Inequality: Not all students may have access to mobile phones, creating a digital divide among students. Although, I suspect this is less of an issue in secondary schools now.
• Privacy concerns: Mobile phones can raise privacy concerns, as students may inadvertently share personal or sensitive information through messages, social media posts, or other digital platforms.
• Safeguarding: There are more than one safeguarding concerns related to the use of mobile phones in schools, including but not limited to:
• Cyberbullying: Mobile phones can be used as a tool for cyberbullying, with students using them to send harassing or threatening messages, share inappropriate content, or engage in online harassment.
• Abusive relationship, coercive and controlling behaviour may be supported by the ability to track, monitor and contact a victim.
• Inappropriate sharing of haring of nude and semi-nude images and/or videos: Students may access or share inappropriate content, including explicit photos or videos, through their mobile phones.
• Online predators: Mobile phones provide students with constant internet access, which can make them more vulnerable to online predators who may try to groom, track or exploit them.

What can schools do to support students, staff and parents.

These may seem obvious, but they are the building blocks for managing mobile phones in schools.

• Establish clear guidelines: Develop and communicate clear guidelines outlining when and how mobile phones can be used on school premises. And stick to them!
• Set appropriate acceptable usage policies: It is important to set policies that promote responsible mobile phone usage, ensuring that students use them for educational purposes and not for distractions.
• Educate students on digital citizenship: School leaders should emphasize the importance of responsible digital citizenship, teaching students about the potential risks and benefits of using mobile phones and how to navigate them safely.
• Promote alternative learning tools: Encourage the use of alternative technologies, such as tablets or laptops where possible.
• Monitor and address misuse: Implement monitoring systems to identify and address any misuse or inappropriate behavior related to mobile phone use. Not easy when older students understand how to use virtual private networks (VPNs) and because they don't need your school's WiFi network any more!
• Collaborate with parents/guardians: Involve parents and guardians in discussions about mobile phone use in schools, seeking their input and addressing any concerns they may have.
• Continued professional development: Provide ongoing training and professional development for teachers, equipping them with strategies and resources to keep children safe and support the school’s policy.

Backdrop Leadership Group

Coaching, mentoring and educational consultancy

Tel: 0333 344 1976 / [email protected] / www.backdropleadership.com