Phones in the Classroom: My Honest Reflection on Debate 4

I participated in agreeing on the idea that mobile phones should be banned in classrooms. While I strongly believed that banning phones could improve academic performance and behavior, my deeper reflection—and recent research—have shown me that this issue is far more nuanced. Phones, like any tool, have both productive and disruptive potential. Below, I explore both the benefits and drawbacks of mobile phone use in the classroom, using a mix of academic evidence, global case studies, and classroom realities.

Below, I’ve laid out my thoughts and experiences from both sides: the harm phones can do, and the value they sometimes offer.

Why Phones Should Be Banned — Based on My Experience

1. They distract from learning and break the flow of teaching

• During lessons, I’ve often had to stop mid-sentence because a student was watching a video or texting under the desk. It breaks the focus of the class, and I lose valuable teaching time just trying to get their attention back.
• One time, I caught a group of students using phones to play online games during a test review. Not only were they missing the content—they were encouraging others to join in.
• Even when phones are face down, students keep glancing at them. It’s like their minds are divided between the classroom and the online world.

2. They contribute to emotional issues and social conflict

• I remember a student who came into class crying because of something someone posted about her on Instagram. She couldn’t concentrate all day, and it turned into a bigger issue that spread through the school.
• Group chats and online bullying often spill into classroom time. I’ve had students distracted by arguments that began over text but continued in person.
• Phones seem to amplify peer pressure and comparison. When students constantly check social media, it’s hard for them to focus on themselves and their learning.

3. They make discipline and classroom management harder

• I often feel like I’m playing a game of “catch the phone” rather than teaching. Students hide phones in books, sleeves, or even on their laps.
• Even when I set clear rules, some students test boundaries daily. Asking them to put phones away sometimes leads to confrontation.
• It’s exhausting to keep reminding them. On some days, I feel more like a guard than an educator—and it wears me down.

Why Phones Should Not Be Banned — Also, From My Experience

1. They can support students with learning needs

• I once had a student who struggled with reading. He used a text-to-speech app on his phone during independent reading, and for the first time, he actually followed along with the story.
• My students often rely on translation apps, digital dictionaries, or YouTube explanations to understand new terms. These tools help them stay in class rather than being pulled out for extra help.
• Some students take pictures of the board or record explanations during class. They review those materials at home and actually improve over time.

2. They increase engagement when used purposefully

• I use Kahoot and Quizizz regularly—students love them. When I say we’re doing a quiz on their phones, the energy in the room changes. Even the quieter students participate.
• One student made a short video explaining a science concept using their phone. It was creative, well-researched, and better than a traditional written assignment.
• Sometimes I ask students to quickly look up real-world examples of what we’re learning. It makes the topic feel current and relevant, and they remember it more.

3. They help teach digital responsibility and real-world skills

• Let’s face it—phones aren’t going anywhere. Instead of banning them completely, I use class time to talk about healthy habits and responsible use.
• We have a “tech contract” in my class that students help design. It includes when phones can be used and what happens if the rules are broken. Because they created it, they take more ownership.
• In group work, I see students using phones to collaborate—sharing notes, messaging their groupmates after school, or researching topics together. These are real-world skills they’ll need.

If I could design the perfect classroom, it would be one where students used their phones only when it supported learning and kept them away the rest of the time. But in reality, it’s never that simple. From my own experience, I’ve learned that banning phones completely may solve some problems—but it can also create new ones.

When we ban phones:

• We reduce distractions and behavioral issues.
• We protect students from online drama during class.
• But we may also take away valuable tools for accessibility, creativity, and engagement.

When we allow phones:

• We open up modern learning opportunities.
• We can teach students how to manage digital tools responsibly.
• But we risk losing focus and time if clear boundaries aren’t in place.

Because, at the end of the day, it’s not about the phone—it’s about how we use it.

References

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYOWeBcwn9E

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iODlcfe0OQ4&t=3s

All the ideas and experiences are mine, though a few write-up suggestions have been taken from ChatGPT.