The cell phone restriction policy in the classroom in Saskatchewan has sparked numerous conversations and as a concerned educator, I would like to add my voice to the subject of discussion concerning the benefits and the drawbacks on the policy.
From a teacher’s point of view, the restriction of cell phones in school from kindergarten to grade 12 has its advantages and disadvantages. Teachers usually struggle with students in classroom to maintain students’ attention when class is in session. When students are in class with their cell phones or smart devices, they mostly get distracted with calls, social media notifications, games and other things which are not even related to academics. By restricting the usage of cell phones during class hours, it will enhance a more focused learning experience between the teacher and students which will gradually improve academic performance. This policy will strengthen the bond and cordial relationship with teachers and students in the classroom as teachers may get the full support and attention from students during class activity.
On the other hand, it may also impede teachers’ integration of technology and innovative use of technology in the classroom as these cell phones and smart devices from students helps with quick research and academic related activities in the classroom. However, the policy allows exemptions for students in grade 9 to 12, where teachers can seek administrative approval for cell phone use when it serves a specific instructional purpose which I think it is not fair to other students and that is not giving equal benefit to all students. If some grades are being considered, then it should work across from kindergarten to grade 12.
As school administrators are tasked with the implementation of restriction of cell phones, it requires a clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms which I think it will be difficult because students may definitely hide it in the classroom and find ways and means to use it. The policy mandates that school divisions establish procedures, including exemptions for students requiring mobile devices for emergency or specific learning needs which I believe will not be an easy task.
As administrators will be compelled to ensure the enforcement of the policy across classrooms without making room for unfairness, administrators will therefore need to provide relevant support for teachers in other to handle this transition smoothly. Additionally adjusting with the new provincial directive is a very complex process that needs careful consideration.
For students, the restriction would enable them to have a full concentration in class, pay attention in class and also participate in class activity without getting distracted with cell phone notification or a message from a friend. This will eventually help them to perform well.
One may argue that students use their cellphones in taking notes and doing some research in the classroom, but a study shows that students retained more information when they are not distracted by mobile devices during lectures and class hours. Students again may feel the restriction as a way to deny them to access academic resources or have an emergency communication as their cell phones and smart devices serves as a tool for such function. In as much the policy may have some considerations for grade 9-12, I do not think it will fully address student’s grievances and concerns over the ban of cell phones in the classroom.
From a parent’s point of view, I believe they may appreciate the restriction of the use of cell phones in classroom because it would create a conducive environment for their children without any distraction while class is in session. Some of the concerns like inappropriate contents for their children, the impacts of screen time and even with mental health from parents may reduce.
However, parents mostly rely on these cell phones to communicate with their children, particularly on emergency cases. Despite the policy stating that each school division should be responsible for communicating with parents and students during emergency time, I think parents may not be able to get a real time and quick communication from the school concerning an emergency with their children which may compel parents to adjust their expectations.
With my personal experience, I did not use cell phone or smart device during my basic school through high school back home (Ghana) and I must say it helped me a lot. It made me stayed focus in class, paid attention and also had a good relationship with my teachers. It can clearly be seen that the restriction is seeking to address the concerns of distractions in the classroom while lessons are in session. Nevertheless, this policy raises the concerns of the role of technology as technology is something that we live with it in this modern era. I think the stakeholders, the government and the school management can come together and refine the policy by chipping in some allocated time for the use of cell phones and smart devices in class, because I believe the skill to efficiently and effectively use smart devices is very essential in this twenty first century where technology is leading the world. I think the students rather need guidance on how to use these smart devices and cell phone.
Hi Gina!
I really liked this reflection and your thoughts on the ban. I would agree that I had many parents, when I explained the ban policies our school put in place, were very happy and more then okay with it being in place. I have had more students get frustrated, but they are dealing as their phones get taken to the office if they are seen when they aren’t allowed and our response is “it’s the law”. Usually ends the argument.
I did see some parents concerns about emergencies when the ban was first announced in comments on social media. I know – I fell right into the trap of the comments – and I actually found myself getting frustrated with them. My argument I made in my head (because I was not getting involved in the trap) was and still is to call the school if they are really in that big of a need. Parents should NOT be calling or texting their child during class so this just eliminates the “I was texting my mom” responses I used to hear constantly.
Thanks for sharing!
– Kelsey
Hello Kelsey, yeah you are right. I even had a discussion with one teacher at my church today and she mentioned that the ban is really helping her as a teacher because she had a lot of issues with her students concerning bullying. she mentioned that students often take pictures or videos of their colleagues without their consent and post it which was always creating issues in the classroom. The reason I raised this discussion with her was because, I did not use cell phone through elementary school and high school. In Ghana, cell phones are not even allowed in school in the first place, not to even talk about it in the classroom). So to me the ban is something normal to me and I did not see why students should be using cell phones in the classroom.
Hi Georgina,
I appreciate your nuanced argument for and against the cell phone policy, considering the diverse perspectives of the stakeholders involved. I agree wholeheartedly about your suggestion that some scheduled technology implementation would be beneficial in helping students learn digital literacy while avoiding the overall distraction of cell phones. I also grew up without the temptation of cells in the classroom…and I am beyond grateful (as I think I would have been very weak!) Regardless of my experience in school, it’s true that the classrooms of today are very different places, and it’s our responsibility as educators to help our students navigate technological in ethical, purposeful ways (alongside parents).
Exactly Kimberly!