Should there be a blanket ban on smartphones in schools

Context: 

Recently, UNESCO suggested a universall ban on usage of smartphones in schools. 

• They believe this would address classroom disturbances, enhance learning, and safeguard children from cyberbullying.

More on News: 

• On 10th August, the Education Directorate of Delhi’s Private School Division emphasized the importance of stakeholders in education—students, parents, teachers, and school leaders—reaching an agreement on limiting mobile phone usage in schools. 
• The goal is to create a more focused and effective learning environment within classrooms.

Status of Mobile Phone Users in India:

• According to a Deloitte study, India has 1.2 billion mobile phone users and over 600 million smartphone users. That figure is expected to cross a billion by 2026.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Recommendation: 

• Caution Against Uncritical Embrace of Digital Technology: UNESCO has warned against blindly adopting digital products in education, pointing out that there is limited robust evidence to support the added value of digital technology in learning. 
• Negative Link Between Screen Time and Education: The study reveals that higher screen time among young people aged 2 to 17 is associated with poorer well-being, reduced curiosity, self-control, and emotional stability, along with higher levels of anxiety and depression diagnoses.
• Smartphone Ban in Schools: UNESCO’s report endorses the idea of banning smartphones in schools, especially when technology integration fails to improve learning or adversely affects student well-being.
• Concerns About Digital Infrastructure Costs and Inequality: The cost of moving to basic digital learning in low-income countries and connecting all schools to the internet in lower-middle-income countries would add 50% to their current financing gap for achieving national SDG 4 targets.
• Children’s Privacy and Data Protection: The report underscores the risk to children’s privacy posed by indiscriminate use of digital technology in education.
  • The report reveals that only 16% of countries guarantee data privacy in education by law. 

Concern Raised on smartphones in School:    

• Dangers and Alarming Research: Research from the London School of Economics suggests that not allowing mobile phones in schools enhances academic performance.
• Addictive nature of Mobile phones: Psychologists also raise concerns about the addictive nature of mobile phones, their potential to hinder concentration and social skills, and their contribution to increased anxiety and mental illness cases.
• Vulnerability to Cybercrime: Schools can be vulnerable to problems like cybercrime due to the presence of mobile phones, as they are seen as sensitive targets.
• Disparities in Socio-Economic Backgrounds: Potential disparities could arise due to varying access to smartphones among students from different socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Students who cannot afford high-end smartphones may feel left out or stigmatized, impacting their confidence and overall engagement in learning activities.

Way Forward:

• Age-Appropriate Smartphone Usage: Similar to having age limits for driving licenses and voting, there could be an age restriction for smartphone usage. 
• Role of schools: Schools have the responsibility to educate students about the proper and responsible use of smartphones. 
• Promoting Face-to-Face Interaction: Increased face-to-face interaction in classrooms can create a healthy learning atmosphere and reduce mobile phone usage during classes. 
• Access to Information: The need for schools is to create advanced digital learning spaces that are accessible to students. 
  • These spaces would provide students with a mechanism to access important information whenever needed, promoting learning outside the traditional classroom setting.
• Investment in Digital Infrastructure: Investing in digital infrastructure, including laptops, tablets, and digital resources would provide students with alternative means of accessing educational content, reducing the overreliance on smartphones.
• Backing Recommendations with Research: UNESCO’s recommendations are supported by research, it’s crucial to carry out research within the local society to understand the potential impact of digital learning initiatives, smartphone usage, and the integration of technology into education.

News Source: The Hindu

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