Cellphones have become a major problem for teens (and tweens) in schools. It not only interferes with their learning; it is worsening their mental health. More and more schools are banning or restricting cellphone use in the classroom.
Many teachers are struggling to keep teens focused on schoolwork rather than the notifications and content they are viewing on their phones — constant distractions.
We realize the importance of cellphone today for our children, including teenagers, such as being able to communicate with their family regarding after-school activities or possibly an emergency that may occur.
With internet access on most cellphones, students can easily find ways to cheat in school such as looking up answers or sharing answers with others — via text.
Because the school is responsible for what occurs on school property, it is even more important for educators to limit student access to their phones during the school day.
How to help your teen restrict cellphone usage in schools and classrooms:
As more states are implementing bans or restrictions on cellphone usage in schools or classrooms, students will need to learn to adapt to these rules or possibly risk their phone being confiscated. This may also include smartwatches.
1. Silence devices and put them away. Out of sight, out of mind. It’s time for your teen to get into a habit of silencing their device and putting it away. Vibrate is not an option, it must be on silence.
Some districts provide technological solutions, such as pouches, to lock and store students’ phones during the school day. In other districts, educators have found creative ways to separate students from their phones, such as using over-the-door shoe holders where students place their phones during class.
2. Technology agreement. Although this may sound redundant, if your school has a ban or restriction on devices, it’s crucial you update this to your home technology agreement.
Review your schools’ policy, discuss it with your teenager or child, helping them understand the expectations as well as what the consequences will be — not only by the school, but at home.
Having students and parents sign this agreement adds extra accountability to the policy.
Conclusion:
Separating our children from their devices while they are in school can be beneficial — not only academically while it helps them focus on their schoolwork, it has been cited that prolonged cellphone use can lead to social isolation and bullying.
At home, many young people were free to choose how and when to use their phones during learning hours. Soon they may face a school environment seeking to take away their main source of connection.
Also read:
How to Help Your Teen Deal with Cyberbullying
How Family Therapy Can Help My Teen
Image attribution: Pixabay – giovannacco
