Desk Reports:
A year after New Zealand banned mobile phones in schools, mixed experiences have emerged. The government’s aim was to increase student focus and reduce distractions in class, but the decision has drawn mixed reactions from students, teachers and parents.
In April 2024, Prime Minister Christopher Lacson announced that eliminating mobile phone distractions is essential for children’s learning and success. Similar bans have been introduced in various countries around the world, including Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and China.
However, research has shown that this does not always have the desired results. A recent study in the UK, which surveyed 1,200 students, found that there was no significant difference in academic performance or mental health between schools that banned phones and schools with a relatively relaxed policy.
On Sunday, the UK-based Independent reported that 77 students aged 12-18 from 25 schools in New Zealand were surveyed. Some welcomed the ban, some objected, and some were undecided. A group of students said that not having phones allowed them to focus on their studies and was also more relaxed. According to them, if the ban was not imposed, they would spend the whole day on their phones, which would be mentally harmful.
However, others have raised new concerns. For example, concerns about not being able to communicate with parents during school hours are growing. There are also complaints about the vagueness of the rules. Many students feel that teachers are being deprived of the opportunity to use their phones, which is unfair. As a result, they are forced to use their phones in secret.
Another major complaint is that students were not consulted before the ban was introduced. Many believe that adults have imposed the rules. However, the use of laptops and other technologies in class is equally distracting. However, research has shown that 80 percent of New Zealand students believe that any technology, not just phones, is distracting in class.
Students have also offered alternative suggestions. They say that allowing phone use during breaks would help maintain connectivity without disrupting class learning. Adults should also develop healthy digital habits and have open discussions with students.
Experts believe that teaching children the skills to use phones properly may be more effective than banning them altogether. For this, teachers and parents also need the necessary support and training. Essentially, a sustainable solution may be to not only keep young people under control in using technology, but also to ensure their active participation.
