A new UN report raised concerns on Wednesday about the excessive use of smartphones, calling for them to be banned in schools worldwide. According to the UN's education, science and culture agency UNESCO, the over-use of mobile phones impacts learning.
I can easily go without using my phone for extended periods of time, and always have been. I’ve never really been “phone addicted”, and never used my phone during class - despite having one for the entirety of my school years.
That still never stopped me from not paying any attention in class. Drawing on a book/desk, talking to the person next to me, looking out the window, or just spending time with my imagination were things I did too often, and I never needed a phone for any of it.
I seriously doubt banning phones would make much of a difference, other than pissing plenty of kids off. You’re essentially being forced to go to a place, every day, where you will be stripped of your personal belongings and are not allowed to be in contact with the outside world.
This was my experience with schooling as well. Sure I had my phone but it wasn’t what I needed to lose focus. The issue is how school is taught. I’ve had classes where I’m so focused and invested because of the professor and content. My mind wouldn’t even think about being bored. But some professors are honestly shit and don’t engage enough. Couple that with the general school environment and boom nobody wants to be there.
That’s my exact experience too. My school already bans phones, but that hasn’t stopped me staring out the window or just sitting there and thinking to myself. A phone would be an improvement as I’d at least have a chance of looking up something relevant to what the teacher’s saying.