To Ban or Not to Ban: That Is Not the Question

In recent discussions surrounding the use of mobile phones in educational settings, the term “banning” has often been met with resistance. Many argue that banning phones is counterproductive and that the focus should instead be on responsible usage. However, I believe that the conversation should shift towards the idea of “removing” distractions rather than outright banning them.

Reflecting on my own life, I’ve experienced significant positive changes by removing certain elements that were detrimental to my well-being. For instance, when I decided to lose weight, I dropped 10kg in just three months. The key to my success was not just about exercising more, but also about removing unhealthy foods from my home. By eliminating sugar-laden products and replacing them with nutritious options, I created an environment that supported my goals.

Similarly, when I wanted to reduce my social media usage, I took the proactive step of removing those apps from my phone and eventually deleted my accounts. This allowed me to regain control over my time and attention, leading to a more fulfilling life. With the option of accessing social media removed, I had no choice but to find other ways to entertain myself.

In a professional context, I found that my work-life balance improved dramatically when I returned my school-owned laptops, iPads, and tablets, opting instead for a standalone PC. This simple change helped me focus better on my tasks and fostered more meaningful human interactions. I effectively removed constant access to technology.

The crux of my argument is that rather than banning mobile phones, we should consider the importance of removing distractions from our lives. The issue at hand is not the phones themselves, but the distractions they create, which can hinder critical thinking and focus. A recent study conducted by the University of Texas found that by removing mobile devices to another room, students performed significantly better than those who had mobile phones in the room, even if they were on silent (Ward et al., 2017).

In educational settings, students need an environment conducive to learning. Mobile phones, laptops, and other devices can easily divert attention away from studies. Therefore, it is our responsibility to remove these distractions during critical learning periods.

How this removal is implemented should be tailored to the culture of each school and household. It’s essential to foster an environment where students can concentrate on their studies without the constant pull of notifications and social media.

Let’s focus on the idea of removing distractions rather than banning mobile phones outright. By doing so, we can create a more focused and productive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and engagement. It’s time to take action and remove the elements that steal our attention, allowing students to thrive academically and personally.

What do you think? Shall we start reframing the discussion?

Reference: Ward, A. F., Duke, K., Gneezy, A., & Bos, M. W. (2017). Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 2(2), 140-154.