essay about using phones in school

Featured Topics

Featured series.

A series of random questions answered by Harvard experts.

Explore the Gazette

Read the latest.

Bernie Sanders sees red lights flashing for election

Up next for Supreme Court on abortion: Idaho

Historian sees a warning for today in post-Civil War U.S.

Do phones belong in schools.

iStock by Getty Images

Harvard Staff Writer

Bans may help protect classroom focus, but districts need to stay mindful of students’ sense of connection, experts say

Students around the world are being separated from their phones.

In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 77 percent of U.S. schools had moved to prohibit cellphones for nonacademic purposes. In September 2018, French lawmakers outlawed cellphone use for schoolchildren under the age of 15. In China, phones were banned country-wide for schoolchildren last year.

Supporters of these initiatives have cited links between smartphone use and bullying and social isolation and the need to keep students focused on schoolwork.

77% Of U.S. schools moved to ban cellphones for nonacademic purposes as of 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics

But some Harvard experts say instructors and administrators should consider learning how to teach with tech instead of against it, in part because so many students are still coping with academic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic. At home, many young people were free to choose how and when to use their phones during learning hours. Now, they face a school environment seeking to take away their main source of connection.

“Returning back to in-person, I think it was hard to break the habit,” said Victor Pereira, a lecturer on education and co-chair of the Teaching and Teaching Leadership Program at the Graduate School of Education.

Through their students, he and others with experience both in the classroom and in clinical settings have seen interactions with technology blossom into important social connections that defy a one-size-fits-all mindset. “Schools have been coming back, trying to figure out, how do we readjust our expectations?” Pereira added.

It’s a hard question, especially in the face of research suggesting that the mere presence of a smartphone can undercut learning .

Michael Rich , an associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and an associate professor of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, says that phones and school don’t mix: Students can’t meaningfully absorb information while also texting, scrolling, or watching YouTube videos.

“The human brain is incapable of thinking more than one thing at a time,” he said. “And so what we think of as multitasking is actually rapid-switch-tasking. And the problem with that is that switch-tasking may cover a lot of ground in terms of different subjects, but it doesn’t go deeply into any of them.”

Pereira’s approach is to step back — and to ask whether a student who can’t resist the phone is a signal that the teacher needs to work harder on making a connection. “Two things I try to share with my new teachers are, one, why is that student on the phone? What’s triggering getting on your cell phone versus jumping into our class discussion, or whatever it may be? And then that leads to the second part, which is essentially classroom management.

“Design better learning activities, design learning activities where you consider how all of your students might want to engage and what their interests are,” he said. He added that allowing phones to be accessible can enrich lessons and provide opportunities to use technology for school-related purposes.

Mesfin Awoke Bekalu, a research scientist in the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at the Chan School, argues that more flexible classroom policies can create opportunities for teaching tech-literacy and self-regulation.

“There is a huge, growing body of literature showing that social media platforms are particularly helpful for people who need resources or who need support of some kind, beyond their proximate environment,” he said. A study he co-authored by Rachel McCloud and Vish Viswanath for the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness shows that this is especially true for marginalized groups such as students of color and LGBTQ students. But the findings do not support a free-rein policy, Bekalu stressed.

In the end, Rich, who noted the particular challenges faced by his patients with attention-deficit disorders and other neurological conditions, favors a classroom-by-classroom strategy. “It can be managed in a very local way,” he said, adding: “It’s important for parents, teachers, and the kids to remember what they are doing at any point in time and focus on that. It’s really only in mono-tasking that we do very well at things.”

Share this article

You might like.

Vermont senator warns of growing income, wealth, and political inequality

Justices to hear case on near-complete ban amid shifting legal landscape after overturn of Roe

Past is present at Warren Center symposium featuring scholars from Harvard, Emory, UConn, and University of Cambridge

Harvard announces return to required testing

Leading researchers cite strong evidence that testing expands opportunity

When will patients see personalized cancer vaccines?

Sooner than you may think, says researcher who recently won Sjöberg Prize for pioneering work in field

Women rarely die from heart problems, right? Ask Paula.

New book traces how medical establishment’s sexism, focus on men over centuries continues to endanger women’s health, lives

The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better Essay

Introduction.

It is undeniable that today’s world revolves around technology due to its growth over the past decades. Mobile phones as a part of technology have become increasingly common in modern society. Today, it is impossible to imagine an adolescent or an adult without a cell phone. Students have started to use mobile phones in classrooms, which has raised many concerns among teachers, schools’ authorities, and parents. While there are several disadvantages of the utilization of technology during classes, the advantages of it prevail.

The benefits of technology for students are evident. First, mobile phones can substitute textbooks and notebooks, which may have a positive impact on individuals’ health as they do not have to carry heavy bags to schools. Students can download learning materials in electronic form and use them during classes. Moreover, they can find the information faster and save time to perform other important tasks. Second, with the help of mobile phones, students can have access to their textbooks, lectures, and notes anywhere and at any time. They can read on the bus on their way to school, which may increase the time they dedicate to the analysis of the learning materials and help them to reflect on the topics of discussions.

Furthermore, students can use mobile phones as dictionaries in language classes. It may save their time and ensure that the long learning process does not discourage them. Also, they can download applications that are designed to assist in acquiring new language skills.

It is necessary to mention that students can use mobile phones as organizational or planning tools. They can plan their time based on the deadlines, arrange their activities and track their grades and performance in class. While many students use notebooks for such purposes, the utilization of mobile phones allows for having all the information in one place and ensuring that no important data is lost. Moreover, teachers can be involved in the organizational process too by sharing the necessary information about due dates and requirements via applications. It may improve teacher-student relationships and increase individuals’ performance in class.

There are several drawbacks associated with the use of mobile phones in the classroom. The primary one is that they can distract students from learning, as they may prefer to play games or use social networks. Moreover, individuals can become aggressive if the teachers or school authorities try to forbid the use of technology in class. To eliminate the possible negative outcomes, it is necessary for students to learn how to avoid distraction while working with mobile phones.

For example, they can delete unnecessary applications or restrict their use during classes. Apart from that, students can improve their performance by studying the factors that can cause distraction and avoiding them. Teachers and schools’ authorities should also consider investigating the benefits of the technology to prevent the establishment of unnecessary policies related to its use in the classroom.

The use of mobile phones in the classroom can improve student’s performance and help them to have better learning outcomes. It can save their time, prevent them from carrying heavy bags with textbooks and notebooks and increase the accessibility of course materials. The possible drawbacks of the use of technology in class are individuals’ distraction and aggression. However, students can eliminate the disadvantages of the utilization of mobile phones by avoiding the factors that can cause negative learning outcomes.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 29). The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/

"The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better." IvyPanda , 29 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better'. 29 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better." October 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better." October 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better." October 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/.

• Replacing School Notebooks by Notebook Laptop
• Education Issues: School Notebooks or Notebook Laptops
• Measuring Beliefs About Distraction by Senn and Radomsky
• IT Innovation and Its Impact on Business
• Product Marketing. Acer Extensa Laptop in India
• Science and Technology: Impact on Human Life
• Mobile Phone Use and Driving: Modelling Driver Distraction Effects
• Cooperative Learning at American Civil War Lesson
• Apple MacBook Pro
• James Joyce and the Significance of Religion
• Dubai Repton School's Technology Integration
• Modern Technologies in the Educational Institution
• Technology Leadership: School Personnel Management
• Education Redefined Under the Influence of the Internet
• The Effects of Integrating Mobile Devices With Teaching and Learning on Students’ Learning Performance

The Use of Mobile Phones in Schools

The use of cell phones in schools by students has become a fiercely debatable topic that concerns all segments of society, including students, parents, teachers, scholars, and officials. People who mostly advocate for using mobile phones consider that these devices are beneficial in providing safety and seamless connection of pupils with parents and are useful for education overall. Nevertheless, I hold to the firm conviction that the use of cell phones should be banned or maximum restricted in schools since, in most cases, they disrupt the learning process and notably impair student’s performance. Thus, in this essay, I will present valid arguments supported by statistics, credible opinions, and facts, which prove the harm of using gadgets in educational premises.

The first argument is that mobile phones disrupt the learning process by causing interruptions and distractions of students’ attention from classroom activities. It is evident that any educational material requires intense mental concentration from individuals to be adequately comprehended and memorized. This aspect is fundamental in further student’s performance and progress since one missing or misunderstood item makes it impossible to master the whole topic or even subject successfully. Moreover, because of this, students become increasingly uninterested, bored, and sometimes contemptuous towards a particular subject. Thus, the primary task and responsibility of every school or educational establishment are to create a conducive environment that promotes the learning process and helps students attain excellent outcomes.

In this context, the students who have gadgets during school classes are usually inclined to use them for communication in social networks and viewing pictures and videos on the Internet, which produces unwanted distractions. Additionally, a constant risk exists that pupils can watch embarrassing videos or content of pornographic nature via smartphones, which corrupts the students’ morals and even makes them incapable of perceiving useful, educational information. As Danielle Einstein, a clinical psychologist from the University of Sydney, asserts, the overall situation is complicated because these devices provoke dopamine release leading to strong psychological addiction (Heizer). Furthermore, Henderson, a journalist for The Independent , describes a phenomenon called phantom vibrations that occur as a result of “learned bodily behavior” (Henderson). Namely, even the slightest vibration can make an individual feel like the phone vibrates, although, in fact, vibrations were absent. Numerous phone calls from outsiders, that is, parents, relatives, and friends, also cause interruptions in learning the material taught by the teacher.

Besides, many scholars have confirmed via experiments that the presence of mobile phones in school disrupts the learning process. For example, two researchers from Western Carolina University, Lawson and Henderson, conducted the study involving 120 first-year students, which demonstrated that students who were texting during lectures obtained considerably less score regarding comprehension and performance (Lawson and Henderson 121). This study only confirmed the results of the previous similar research indicating that “texting can reduce comprehension of class material at a rate of 10–20%” (Lawson and Henderson 119). It is worth noting that these results were related to comparatively simple material.

The second argument that can be advanced against the gadgets’ use is that they can adversely affect the individual’s cognitive capabilities that are vital for students’ performance and studying. For example, the recent research performed by Ward et al. concluded that even the close location of a smartphone near the user, for instance, on the desk, can worsen cognitive capacity and fluid intelligence (140). Moreover, cognitive damage is directly proportional to the dependence from a smartphone. The research indicates that “the presence of students’ mobile devices in educational environments may undermine both learning and test performance” (Ward et al. 151). It should be mentioned that the study consisted of two experiments that involved 520 and 275 smartphone users, respectively.

The third argument is connected with cheating since many students tend to use smartphones while taking a test or even an exam. For example, according to a Pew Research Center study, 35 percent of pupils use their phones to complete tests or assignments, and 65 percent of teens reported that they see how smartphones were used by others (Morin). Overall, in the educational environment, not only does cheating make it impossible to evaluate students correctly and rightly but also allows them not to prepare for exams appropriately. This has adverse consequences for their performance and the ability to master the necessary knowledge.

Another issue that gains the increasing alert among pedagogues and parents is that cell phones can promote cyberbullying that implies threats, harassments, humiliation, or torments by means of technology. Cyberbullying can be executed through social media sites or other websites and text messages or emails. Besides, this phenomenon has various forms, including impersonation, that is, fake accounts, trolling, flaming, namely, posting derogatory comments, cyberstalking, trickery, and denigration, that is, posting gossip and rumors about someone. According to the survey conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center in 2016, around 34 percent of middle and high school students have experienced cyberbullying; some of them cyberbullied several times (McCullum). It should be specified that cyberbullying leads to significant negative outcomes and can cause depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, loss of interest in studies, and even using alcohol and drugs. Moreover, this type of bullying is difficult for teachers to track and stop.

The last argument is correlated with disconnection from face-to-face communication and a decrease in the students’ participation in outside and social activities. Working together and leading in-person discussions about a particular topic is an indispensable part of education. Moreover, involvement in sports and social activities play an essential role in the psychological and physical development of children and adolescents. With the excessive use of gadgets, many teens tend to avoid traditional, alive conversations and outside games and prefer to communicate using smartphones, play digital games, and hang on the Internet. In this regard, secondary schools in the UK began establishing stricter rules regarding cell phones, prohibiting using them in school premises individuals under sixteen years of age (Hymas). This measure has resulted in the fact that students become more active, alert, and sociable in the school setting.

To summarize, in this essay, I have advanced valid and persuasive arguments against the use of mobile phones in schools, maintained by statistics, credible opinions, and facts. These arguments include the disruption of the learning process, the adverse effect on the individual’s cognitive capabilities, cheating, cyberbullying, and disconnection from face-to-face communication. For example, the disruption of the learning process caused by possible distractions related to phone calls or communication in social networks while cyberbullying is accompanied by threats, harassments, humiliation, or torments using technology. In conclusion, as Nick Gibb, a British politician, said, “Every hour spent online and on a smartphone is an hour less talking to family, and it’s an hour less exercise, and it’s an hour less sleep” (Austin). Thus, people, especially teachers, students, and parents, should be aware of the harm of using mobile phones in schools to prevent unfortunate consequences concerning students’ performance, education, their mental health, overall.

Works Cited

Austin, H. “ Mobile Phones ‘Should be Banned from Schools,’ Minister Says. ” Independent , 2019, Web.

Heizer, S. “ What do Five Experts Think about Mobile Phones in Schools? ” Guardian , 2018, Web.

Henderson, E. “ Phantom Vibration Syndrome: Up to 90 Percent of People Suffer Phenomenon while Mobile Phone Is in Pocket ”. The Independent , Web. 2016.

Hymas, C. “Secondary Schools Are Introducing Strict New Bans on Mobile Phones.” The Telegraph–UK , 2018.

Lawson, Dakota, and Henderson, Bruce B. “The Costs of Texting in the Classroom.” College Teaching , vol. 63, no. 3, 2015, pp. 119-124.

McCullum, K. “ Cyberbullying in School: Prevention and Support. ” Accredited Schools Online. Web.

Morin, A. “ How Teens Use Technology to Cheat in School. ” Verywell Family , 2019, Web.

Ward, Adrian F., Duke, K., Gneezy, A., and Bos, M.W. “Brain drain: The Mere Presence of one’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity.” Journal of the Association for Consumer Research , vol. 2, no. 2, 2017, pp. 140-154.

Cite this paper

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2022, January 27). The Use of Mobile Phones in Schools. https://studycorgi.com/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools/

"The Use of Mobile Phones in Schools." StudyCorgi , 27 Jan. 2022, studycorgi.com/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) 'The Use of Mobile Phones in Schools'. 27 January.

1. StudyCorgi . "The Use of Mobile Phones in Schools." January 27, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "The Use of Mobile Phones in Schools." January 27, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "The Use of Mobile Phones in Schools." January 27, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools/.

This paper, “The Use of Mobile Phones in Schools”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: November 8, 2023 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

Cellphones in Schools: A Huge Nuisance and a Powerful Teaching Tool

• Share article

When Nelann Taylor lets her high school students whip out their smartphones and dive into tools like Duolingo, Quizlet, Kahoot, and Flipgrid, she knows she may be in for a classroom management headache. Some of her students “have really figured out how to self-correct and just say, ‘Well, I know that I can’t be on my own phone right now’ ” unless it is for classwork, she said. But others take advantage of the freedom to start scrolling through text messages, and Taylor has to tell them put the devices away. Cellphones are both a powerful learning tool and huge distractions for kids. Figuring out how to make the most of them is “really tricky,” said Taylor, a fan of technology in the classroom who teaches high school Spanish and web design in Louisiana’s St. John the Baptist Parish Schools. “It’s always a work in progress.” Educators like Taylor have struggled with whether to ban phones, let kids use them for classwork, or some combination of the two for more than a decade. But the need to figure out how to use cellphones for learning, rather than letting them become a distraction, has gotten more urgent since kids returned from pandemic-driven virtual learning, experts and educators say. “I think the transition from trying to learn at home using devices and having perhaps multiple devices, being distracted by them, trying to focus attention on learning, and then transition back into the classroom has been really difficult,” said Christine Elgersma, the senior editor for social media and learning resources at Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that focuses on children, technology, and media. There are some good practices, including having a schoolwide policy on devices that’s clearly communicated to students and parents at the beginning of the school year. Being vehemently anti-cellphone may backfire, Elgersma warned. Allowing kids to use the devices for classwork is a way to acknowledge that, “these are really cool tools, and that some of what kids are doing on their phones is really impressive and creative and important to them,” she said. “We don’t want to discount how woven into the fabric of their lives these devices are.” At Kansas’ Springhill Middle School, students are expected to put their phones in their lockers as soon as school begins, and not take them out until the end of the day, unless a teacher plans to use the devices in a lesson, said Trevor Goertzen, the school’s principal. A National Association of Secondary School Principals digital principal of the year, Goertzen is a champion of tech in the classroom. But he thinks it’s too easy for kids to get distracted by entertainment or social media if they have access to their phones all day. All his students have MacBooks, he said, which can be used for just about any classroom activity requiring a device. Teachers have permission to allow cellphones occasionally for specific purposes, but “most teachers realize it’s not worth opening the door for them to use their phones.”

‘Teach kids to manage their technology’

But Stevie Frank, a 5th grade humanities teacher at Zionsville West Middle School in Whitestown, Ind., views cellphones as a great student engagement tool. Her students can keep their phones with them during class, as long as they have notifications turned off, so they’re not interrupted by a dinging noise. And she incorporates them into her class assignments. For instance, Frank sets up stations around the room where kids read passages and tackle questions on, say, an author’s purpose. To check to see if their answers are right, students use their phones to scan a QR code, and up pops a video of Frank explaining the correct answer. “It’s one of those things where I was like, ‘How can I be at 12 stations at once?’ ” Frank said. “And I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, I can!’ ” Frank’s students also use their phones to record podcasts, since they tend to have better microphones than school-issued devices do. Recently, for instance, she had groups of students choose books about different identities and then create a podcast exploring themes that the text raised. One group picked a book about a person experiencing homelessness and interviewed a staffer at a local shelter for their podcast. Naturally, there are times when students use their cellphones to go off task, Frank said. But that’s all part of the lesson. She said kids need to figure out how to voluntarily distance themselves from their devices. “You’ve got to teach the kids how to manage their technology and if we’re not going to do it in school, where’s it going to be done?” Frank said. A certified yoga teacher, she’s talked to her students about mindfulness, the importance of being present in the moment, and how technology can distract from those things. If a kid has a particularly tough time putting their phone away, or keeps getting distracted while using a school laptop, Frank will ask if they’d rather have a paper copy of the assignment, or if they’d like to put their phone on their desk. Giving students the choice to disengage from their phones helps “get their buy-in,” Frank said. “They’re like, ‘yup, I need to do that.’ ” Another advantage of using a phone for class assignments: Students are already familiar with how they operate, said Kristin Daley Conti, a science teacher at Tantasqua Regional Junior High School in central Massachusetts. Her attitude on cellphones in school is essentially, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” So if her students want to use their phones to, say, time how long it takes ice to melt, she’s fine with that. Many of her students also used the cameras on their phones for a project last year on ecosystems. Students chose an outdoor area near the school and took pictures of the spot once a week, then looked at how the biodiversity in its ecosystem changed over time. Students snapped photos of flowers, squirrels, plants, insects, frogs, and more and then shared them in a digital journal that was also accessible to parents. Daley Conti’s advice to teachers who are considering using cellphones in their classroom: Listen to kids’ ideas. Ask them questions like, “Do you think we’re using our phones too much?” or “Could we use our phones in class responsibly?” “If you’re thinking about incorporating cellphone use, hear from the experts,” she said.

A version of this article appeared in the March 23, 2022 edition of Education Week as Cellphones in Schools: Huge Nuisance And Powerful Teaching

Sign Up for EdWeek Tech Leader

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

Essay on Use of Mobile Phones in Education

Students are often asked to write an essay on Use of Mobile Phones in Education in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Use of Mobile Phones in Education

Introduction.

Mobile phones, once considered a distraction, are now a valuable tool in education. They provide a wealth of resources and opportunities for learning.

Learning Tools

Mobile phones offer various educational apps, like dictionaries, encyclopedias, and learning games, which aid in understanding complex topics.

Easy Access to Information

With internet connectivity, mobile phones provide instant access to vast amounts of information, making learning more dynamic and interactive.

Communication and Collaboration

Mobile phones facilitate communication between students and teachers, promoting collaboration and the sharing of ideas.

While it’s crucial to monitor usage, the educational benefits of mobile phones are undeniable. They have transformed the way we learn.

250 Words Essay on Use of Mobile Phones in Education

Mobile phones, once viewed as distractions, are now recognized as powerful tools in the realm of education. Their role in enhancing learning experiences and outcomes cannot be understated.

Transforming Learning Experiences

The ubiquity of mobile phones has revolutionized the learning landscape. They serve as portable knowledge hubs, bringing a wealth of information to students’ fingertips. With educational apps, e-books, and online courses, mobiles facilitate self-paced learning, allowing students to explore topics beyond the classroom curriculum.

Collaborative Learning

Mobile phones foster a collaborative learning environment. They enable students to engage in group discussions, share resources, and work on projects remotely, thereby promoting teamwork and enhancing communication skills.

Real-time Feedback

Mobile phones also provide platforms for real-time feedback. Teachers can monitor students’ progress, address doubts, and provide personalized guidance. This immediate feedback mechanism helps in identifying and rectifying learning gaps promptly.

Challenges and Conclusion

Despite the advantages, the use of mobile phones in education is not without challenges. Issues like digital distraction, cyberbullying, and data privacy require careful management. Moreover, the digital divide can exacerbate educational inequalities. Therefore, while leveraging mobile phones for education, it is crucial to establish a balanced and responsible approach to their use. In conclusion, when used effectively, mobile phones can significantly enrich the educational journey, transforming it into an engaging, collaborative, and personalized experience.

500 Words Essay on Use of Mobile Phones in Education

Mobile phones, once considered a distraction in educational environments, have transformed into an indispensable tool for learning. The advent of smartphones and the proliferation of apps have revolutionized the way we learn, making education more accessible, interactive, and personalized.

The Role of Mobile Phones in Education

Mobile phones, with their ubiquitous presence, have become a gateway to a wealth of knowledge. The internet connectivity they provide allows students to access a plethora of educational resources and platforms. From e-books to educational apps, online courses, and interactive learning tools, mobile phones have made it possible for students to learn anytime, anywhere.

Enhancing Learning Experience

Mobile phones also enhance the learning experience by making it interactive and engaging. They support multimedia learning, enabling students to learn through videos, animations, and interactive quizzes. This multimedia approach caters to different learning styles, making education more inclusive. Mobile phones also facilitate collaborative learning. Through various apps, students can work on projects together, share notes, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.

Personalized Learning

Personalized learning has become a reality with mobile phones. Educational apps can adapt to individual learning styles and pace, ensuring that no student is left behind. They also provide instant feedback, allowing students to identify their weak areas and work on them. In addition, mobile phones can also support self-paced learning, enabling students to learn at their own convenience.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the benefits, the use of mobile phones in education also presents challenges. The most significant one is the digital divide. Not all students have access to smartphones or a stable internet connection, which can lead to inequalities in educational opportunities. It is crucial for educational institutions and policymakers to work towards bridging this digital divide.

Another challenge is the potential for distraction. However, with proper guidelines and digital literacy education, students can be taught to use mobile phones responsibly for educational purposes.

In conclusion, mobile phones have the potential to transform education by making it more accessible, personalized, and engaging. However, it is important to address the challenges they present to ensure equitable access to education. The future of education lies in leveraging technology like mobile phones to provide quality education to all, irrespective of their geographical location or socio-economic status.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Life Without Mobile Phone
• Essay on Mobile Phone Addiction
• Essay on Usage of Mobile Phones and Internet

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Persuasive Essay: Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in Schools

Banning cell phones in school? Allowing students to use their cellphones in the classroom is 

a controversial topic. But students have already found ways of using cell phones in school for academic purposes. After all, allowing cell phone usage can help students during the day by learning in a way they are comfortable, keeping in contact with their parents, and devices provide easy access to information. I do not agree with the cell phone ban!

First of all, allowing cell phone usage lets students learn in a way where they're comfortable.  

Cell phones are like a tool to students these days, it helps them in many ways and it makes them feel comfortable and learn better.  According to the text, “Smartphones are young-person intuitive.  More and more students know how to use them, and they are becoming the most used "tool" by teens "(The SHARE team, resilient educator). In addition, allowing students to use their cell phones keeps them in contact with their parents. And know there are phones in schools but parents feel safe to know that their children can reach them at any moment. Based on the text, "Contacting parents mediated by school sometimes takes time so one of the best options is if the student can contact them directly.  This is especially useful during medical emergencies.  There are also times where the parents need to get ahold of their child for some important reason or just to check up on them on why they are running late "(Todd VanDuzer, student-tutor). 

In fact, letting students use their phones in schools also lets them access information easier.  

Some students may find it hard to keep on top of all their assignmens and by giving them access to information on the internet they can learn more about the topic and help them be on top of their work.  As said in the text, "If smartphones are allowed in school, students will have easy access to more information and therefore will be more participative during the class discussion" (Todd VanDuzer, student-tutor).  Being able to search up facts in just a few clicks is one of the biggest advantages of using technology.

On the other hand, Cell phones in the classroom promote cheating.  There are many websites, online forums, and tutors available online.  Most of the websites require subscriptions.  These resources, allow students to ask a question about their homework and they will be provided the answer.  If a student is allowed to bring their cell phone, he will have access to submit his question and receive the answer.  As said in the text "As said before, kids are getting distracted and not paying attention, so when it comes to taking a test they have no idea what the answers are so many students will cheat and not even learn anything" (Amie Vitello, Middle Borough TV).

In conclusion, cell phones should not be banned from schools because they are used for academic purposes. They provide quick access to knowledge, and they are learning in a method that is comfortable for them, and they can maintain in touch with their parents. In the end mobile devices have their benefits. So, should we ban them?

Related Samples

• Experience Essay about Electric Cars
• Food Insecurity in College Students Essay Example
• Essay Sample about Thomas Bender and The American Revolution
• Nature vs. Technology Essay Example
• College Should Be Free Persuasive Essay Example
• Argumentative Essay Sample: Students (Ages 5-10) Should Have Break Every Hours
• Concept Paper Example: Phagocytosis
• Essay Sample: Taste Buds and Tongue
• Compare and Contrast Essay: Porsche 718 Cayman vs. Toyota GR Supra
• Argumentative Essay: Standardized Testing Should Be Banned

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• School Education /

Essay on Mobile Phone: 100 Words, 300 Words, 500 Words

• Updated on  
• Feb 21, 2024

Mobile Phones are portable electronic devices used to make calls, browse the internet, click pictures, and do several other tasks. However, the mobile phones discovered in the early 1970s were quite different from the compact and slim devices we use today. Cell phones were invented by John F. Mitchell and Martin Cooper of Motorola in 1973.

As modern humans, we all use mobile phones for our day-to-day functioning. At academic and higher education levels, students are given the task of writing an essay on mobile phones. An essay on mobile phones requires a comprehensive and detailed study of their history, major developments and the purposes it serve. In this article, we have provided essays on mobile phones for class 6,7,8.9, 10, and 12th standard students. Students can refer to these sample essays on mobile phones to write their own. Keep reading to find out essays on mobile phones and some fun facts about the device.

Table of Contents

• 1 Sample Essay on Mobile Phone (100 Words)
• 2 Sample Essay on Mobile Phone (300 words)
• 3 Sample Essay on Mobile Phone (500 words)
• 4 Essay on Mobile Phone: 5+ Facts About Smartphones

Sample Essay on Mobile Phone (100 Words)

Also Read: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing an Essay

Sample Essay on Mobile Phone (300 words)

Also Read: Essay on Importance of the Internet

Sample Essay on Mobile Phone (500 words)

Essay on mobile phone: 5+ facts about smartphones.

Here we have listed some of the interesting facts about smartphones. These facts can be added to the ‘essay on mobile phones’ to make it more interesting. Below are the 5 interesting facts about smartphones:

• The most expensive smartphone in the world is the Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond. It is worth  $48.5 million.
• The cheapest mobile phone in the world is the Freedom 251. It just cost INR 251.
• Apple is the world’s most popular smartphone
• The first phone greeting was “Ahoy-hoy, who’s calling please?” 
• The first smartphone was invented by IBM. It was released by IBM in 1994. The original screen name of the 1st smartphone was “Simon.” 
• The first text message in the world was ‘Merry Christmas’

Also Read: Holi Essay: Free Sample Essays 100 To 500 Words In English

A mobile phone system gets its name from diving the service into small cells. Each of these cells has a base station with a useful range in the order of a kilometre/mile.

Mobile phones have become extremely important due to the ease of communication it has brought about. Moreover, it can perform several major tasks easily and effectively. For example, a calculator. Aside from this mobile phones can help a user connect to the internet, and use social media applications, and other applications. Mobile phones can even assist in online payment. 

The full form or the meaning of a Moble is Modified, Operation, Byte, Integration, Limited, Energy”. John F. Mitchell and Martin Cooper of Motorola discovered the device in 1973. An essay on mobile phones can include the mobile phone full form.

Related Articles

Mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our lifestyle. There are several advantages and disadvantages of having a smartphone. However, the pros outweigh the cons. A mobile phone essay can be written by including both the advantages and disadvantages. To discover more articles like this one, consult the study abroad expert at Leverage Edu.

Blessy George

Blessy George works as a Content Marketing Associate at Leverage Edu. She has completed her M.A. in Political Science and has experience working as an Intern with CashKaro. She has written extensively on studying abroad, English Test preparation, visas, and online courses. During her free time, she likes to read and write poetry, and songs.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Argumentative Essay on the Use of Mobile Phones in Schools

Related Papers

Maryam Ghalib

Αργύρης Κυρίδης

The continuing and rapid evolution of mobile telephony seems to effect contemporary life and especially students life. In our research we investigate Greek high school students' beliefs and attitudes about mobile telephony and their stance on mobile phone usage. A total of 194 students of high school, participated in the study (99 boys and 95 girls). A closed form questionnaire with 16 sentences has been given. The data that has been collected analyzed using Factor Analysis method. In this way the data grouped according to their interrelation, in order to project special categories and fully describe students' attitudes. Based on the Factor Analysis five independent axes arise, which interpret the 69% of the total sample. The results show that although students consider mobile phone as a necessity, they treat it as a life style gadget. (Mobile telephony, high school, greek students) I.

Global Foundation for Nursing Profession & Social Services

GFNPSS International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Now a day’s mobile phone usability increased in students and society. There are many benefits of using mobile phone along with excessive use of mobile phone become stress in our life. Currently use of mobile phone more concern in students and society. Various efforts have been made through research to identify increased use of mobile phone. At present, mobile phones are being used everywhere. The mobile radiations may give harmful effects, will give major problems also in males’ infertility, Ear problems, Immunity system, Eye vision problems, high blood pressure, tiredness, stress, sleep distribution, impaired concentration, memory and finally gets DNA problems.1 Key words: Impact, mobile phone, student and society.

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences

IOSR Journals

In 21 st century the revolution of using mobile phone is the most significant issue in the information technology of the modern world. Bangladesh is not beyond the atmospheric. Most of the people either poor or rich use this device widely. Specially the teenagers who are the learners of secondary level are addicted to this technological device. For this reason, they are becoming lag behind from academic study/performance. The research work aims at finding out the above problems and its solutions with keen observations. It also expects to make the learners of secondary level involve in classroom study. The Research work has been done according to the quantitative or some somehow mixed method. To make this research authentic, all the information has been collected from various primary and secondary sources, such as research works, journal articles, newspaper articles etc. Questionnaire with survey method has directly been followed among the learners, teachers, guardians and concerned elites. Here in the manuscript the author has desired to make a result that learners, teachers, guardians, concerned elites, the authority of educational institutions and even the government will realize the harmful effect of excessive use of mobile phone among the learners of secondary level and try to solve this problem collectively. Finally, this study established that excessive use of mobile phone among the learners of secondary level made the quality of education very less than before in Bangladesh especially in Sirajganj district of Bangladesh.

International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET)

Mohammad Salehi

Mobile phones are widely used by university students and there is a controversial topic whether students should be able to use them freely during lectures. A survey was distributed seeking student opinions on using mobile phones in classroom. We used two-phase sampling method to reduce the nonresponse bias. There were 392 valid responses. To test the effect of different factors on students’ opinions a number of statistical techniques were utilized. The results showed Qatar University students marginally favored using mobile in classroom but using mobile phone distracted some students who are less in favor of using phone during lectures. The proportion of students who believe that student should decide to use or not use mobile in the classes is 0.635. Apparently, students expected implementation of a policy that controls the use of mobile phones in class. Recommendations include a blanket policy for the University on the use of mobile phones during class, mobile phone breaks given by...

Carmen Cano

Pakistan Journal of Social Research

Dr.Azmat Ali Shah

The study investigated the uses of a cell phone in educational activities of students at a higher level. The recommendation of National Professional Standards on the use of ICT in education provides a strong theoretical background for the study. The objectives of the study focused on the investigation of the perception of teachers and students regarding the uses of the cell phone in educational activities and effective communication between students and teachers for educational progress. Adopting a descriptive research design, a survey was carried out to investigate one hundred respondents by using a self-developed questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed through percentage and findings were tabulated consequently which show that majority of respondent uses a cell phone for instructive activities and having positive effects on students’ educational performances. Furthermore, the uses of a cell phone in educational activities facilitate teachers and students at the same level i...

David Korede

Asian Journal of Empirical Research

This study is an effort to investigate the “Impacts of Cell Phone Using Habits on the Studies of Students of University of Sargodha and Punjab University Lahore. The study used the survey method for data collection. A sample of 100 respondents consisting of 50 Teachers and 50 Parents was selected by using purposive and convenience sampling technique. The findings show that respondents frequently use cell phone and overwhelming majority spent lots of money in their daily lives. Respondents frequently use cell phone to contact with parents followed by friends, close friends whereas somewhat with classmates and rarely with teachers. But according to teachers and parents students mostly use cell phone to contact with parents; classmates, friends, and close friends with little difference. Students frequently use cell phone in class room not for lecture recording but for the purpose of SMS texting etc. It is also observed that students mostly use cell phone for un-educational activities and according to teachers and parents due the use of cell phone respondents are losing focus on their studies and parents are decreasing their parental control on their children due to the use of cell phone.

RELATED PAPERS

International Journal of Environmental Science and Development

Aanchal Wats

isara solutions

International Research Journal Commerce arts science

csilla iuliana bara

Tracheotomie

Martin Walz

Leila Niemi-murola

Biological Sciences - PJSIR

Arsalan Ali khan

Indonesian Journal of Chemistry

SUSILA WATI

COLLOQUIUM EXACTARUM

Robson Siscoutto

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Felice Alfonso Nava

Proceedings of the 1st Workshop on NLP for Positive Impact

Nassos Katsamanis

cristina corrochano

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution

GODWIN MCHAU

Journal of Food Engineering

Martine Decloux

Gerald Rivera

Atsushi Iino

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Pairod Singhatanadgid

imad zeroual

The Journal of African History

Randall Pouwels

Chemical Engineering & Technology

Nguyên Nguyễn

Houston Journal of International Law

Camilo Crespo

Jay M Short

oswar mungkasa

Journal of Biological Chemistry

Permeen Yusoff

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Cell Phones in School: Should Be Banned, Restricted or Allowed?

Why cell phones in school should be banned.

The use of mobile phones in schools has attracted the attention of many individuals, state organizations, learning institutions, the media and the society at large. Different views have been raised on the positive impacts and the negative repercussion that come as a result of the use of mobile phones in schools. Although some positive aspects can be drawn from the use of mobile phones in schools, the negative impacts are saddening and the need to be looked at with great caution. Poor school performance of children and cheating in exams can be attributed to the use of mobile phones in schools.

School children with mobile phones tend to have a short span of attention in class due to various activities, as surfing the internet, playing games and texting. These children are also likely to cheat in exams by searching for answers through the internet or texting their colleagues for answers. Likewise, cases of mobile phone theft increase due to the urge of getting better phones to those who already have and the desire of having a phone to the poor children who cannot afford it. These should thus give an alarm to the school board to ban the use of mobile phones.

One of the major reasons why the use of mobile phones by school children should be banned is because it promotes cheating during exams. The mobile phones may provide good avenues for the children to cheat in exams and thus earn undeserved credits. Children use the taken pictures of class notes, videos, text messaging as well as wireless earbuds to gain access to materials that assist them during the exams. According to the National School Resource Officer Survey in 2004 by NASRO, it was estimated that more than 41 percent had reported handling cases of students using mobile phones improperly. The officers reported that among the improper ways school children had used mobile phones included cheating in exams, particularly through text messaging and the internet.

Free Persuasive Essay Examples from Elite Essay Writers

Another reason why the school board should ban the use of mobile phones is due to the short span of attention by the children. Student’s concentration in class is distracted on various occasions in the presence of mobile phones. In certain instances, the disturbance can be carried on to the rest of the children in class if the phone rings out loud. This is more likely to happen and cause a lot of distraction, hampering the learning process if these phones are not put in silent mode. Moreover, if a phone is put in silent mode or on vibration, it distracts the owner leading to a short attention span in class. If a call or message, for instance, comes in, the student loses concentration and diverts their attention towards reading the message or answering the call. These lower the student’s understanding of things taught in class and in turn results in poor performance.

It is essential for the school board to note that the use of mobile phones by children promotes theft. The changing technology results in the production of more attractive and expensive mobile phones that not every child can afford. Theft complaints are thus not going to stop anytime soon if the use of mobile phones in schools will not be banned. Despite the fact that some of the children already own mobile phones, they will be tempted to steal the more sophisticated ones from their friends. The poor children who cannot afford a cell phone are no exemption and they are most likely to steal any type of phone for them to own one. It is best if schools ban their use to prevent such cases of theft.

It is thus justifiable to conclude that the school board has a big part to play in making the learning environment suitable for all the children. The ban on the use of mobile phones will be very beneficial to all and would lead to better performance. The children’s concentration span in class would improve, cheating in exams would be minimized and cases of mobile phone theft in schools would be forgotten. If the school board embraces the idea of making it illegal to use mobile phones, the society will benefit and the school children will all have a favorable environment to learn.

Client's Review

" I ordered a cheap essay on this website. Guys, I was so surprised the essay was written better than I thought it'd be. "

Sara J. reviewed EliteWritings on August 15, 2018, via SiteJabber Click to see the original review on an external website.

Why Cell Phones in School Should Be Restricted?

People create different devices and machines due to the constant growth of human needs and demands. It is connected with the appropriate improvement in the quality of life. In fact, the creation of such a modern device as a cell phone refers to great wonders of the twenty-first century, even if its use at school is under great concern. Thus, the development of the cell phone and its regular use can improve the process of studying at school, but it can also destruct the way students thinking and learning.

The cell phone makes a revolution in education. It widens children’s outlook and suggests new ways and approaches for learning more information in different subjects through video use. It becomes evident that “allowing students to use cell phones in the classroom for specific, academic purposes has the power to increase student engagement and allow teachers to more effectively assess learning on a daily basis” (Giambalvo).

It means that the particular use of this device contributes to the development of creativity and interactive experience. Students can get free access to a large number of sources which can be essential in studying. In this case, juniors are motivated to set their goals and reach them observing different videos based on the learning topics. Additionally, this issue includes social and emotional aspects that show how an individual can assess himself/herself to reveal the appropriate persistence and diligence. Thus, modern teachers consider cell phones as a useful tool for learning, which makes studying easier and more interesting.

The cell phones provide new effective ways of learning for those who try to overcome the difficulties with the second language. In this case, it’s primary purpose is to improve the limits of students’ vocabulary. With the help of mobile dictionaries, students can memorize many new words including their translation and spelling. They also develop their vocabulary while writing a test after reading the assignment, which seems to be rather difficult (Lu 515). The point is that students do not have any limitation to learn more words every time they look up a new one and its various meanings. It is known that lexical information improves the intellect, and students’ speech becomes better. Therefore, the effectiveness of cell phone use is obvious, and it is necessary to further develop this approach.

Try Persuasive Essay Topic Title Generator for Free

On the other hand, cell phones cause cheating and unceasing ringing that destroys classroom policies at school. Many teachers claim that “the technology is considered a serious source of distraction in the classroom” because it has a negative impact on academic performance (Campbell 280). In such a way, plagiarism becomes a common problem that exists among students. After finishing high schools, they are not ready to develop and create their own ideas. Students have boundless access to the Internet, thus they simply copy and paste the suggested information. It brings harm to the students’ studying as they do not make any considerable effort to develop their own intellectual skills and abilities in the process of learning. Additionally, teachers often complain that they cannot concentrate on the representation of new material due to the ringing in the class.

Moreover, parents notice that their children stop paying much attention to the school assignments but talk over the phone all the time. Perhaps, it is a precise result of parents’ numerous requests to allow their children to use mobile phones at school as they are against the past ban (Taylor). Thus, the cell phone becomes children’s obsession as they gradually begin to depend on this advanced technology.

In conclusion, the use of the cell phone improves the quality of studying as teachers can apply various teaching videos. Students can also learn the second foreign language via the cell phone by consulting the dictionary and memorizing new words as well as establishing communication and interacting with each other. However, the use of cell phones has several disadvantages while studying: the main one is cheating. This leads to reducing students’ own knowledge because they are out of practice. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the use of cell phones at school in order to avoid plagiarism which is not good for students studying.

Why Cell Phones in School Should Be Allowed?

In terms of using cell phones in school, various improvements have been established at different schools, which benefited students since their privacy has been improved as well as an effective and essential means of communication was implemented. Schools are trying out various policies that allow having cell phones at schools with some permitting students to use their phones only during breaks or at lunchtime. Other schools are encouraging students to have cell phones at school in order to enhance the educational process, the main purpose of which is to improve understanding in the classroom.

This is helpful in various ways since it provides suitable platforms for enhancing educational understanding. Other policies that were implemented allow students to carry cell phones to school and use them after classes and at breaks. The phones should be kept in lockers or backpacks during classes. This is unlike the policy of some schools that allow phones and encourage students to carry them to school and use them in class for their educational advantage.

Cell phones use in high school during break times should, therefore, be allowed because of personal rights, privacy issues, and effective and essential communication. The use of cell phones during breaks prevents students from losing attention in class and allows them to maintain necessary communications with their parents as well as provides them with the advantages of e-learning tools. Allowing students to use cell phones at school gives students the right to personal life and privacy. In addition, cell phones enhance research and improve students’ understanding since they have more access to information that is available on the Internet.

More About Persuasive Essay Writing

• What is the purpose of a persuasive essay ?
• How to write a persuasive essay ?
• What persuasive essay topics were good in 2016 ?
• How to choose good persuasive essay topics in 2020 ?

Argumentative

Book report, environment, evidence-based practice, informative, please notice.

Some text in the modal.

Cell Phones in School: Pros and Cons

Khadija Bilal

Cell phones and smartphones are a big part of modern life. Many people use them every day, including kids and teens. But there’s still a debate about cell phones in school. In this guide, we’ll look at some arguments for why should phones be allowed in school, while also addressing some common concerns parents may have.

Interesting Facts and Statistics About Cell Phones in Education

How cell phones can be used effectively, what are the pros of allowing cell phones in school, what are the cons of allowing cell phones, are there any alternatives, should kids have cell phones in school.

iVazoUSky/Shutterstock.com

Before we look at some of the pros and cons of cell phones in school, let’s look at some statistics to get a clearer picture of the situation.

• 53% of children will own a smartphone by the age of 11 in the US
• That number increases to a whopping 95% in teenagers
• Surveys show that as well as passing the time, 83% of kids use their phones to learn
• Cell phones are the favored tool of communication among modern teens
• 41% of teens from lower-income households use their phones to access the internet
• Studies show that learning on mobile devices can boost productivity by over 40%
• Teens can spend over 7 hours a day looking at screens

These are just some of the many, many statistics about cell phones among teens and in the education sector. From this, we can see that mobile and cellular phone technology is a big part of life for today’s teenagers, and cell phones in school do have the power of providing super educational opportunities.

At the same time, with so many kids spending hours a day staring at their phone screens, there’s also a risk that a phone in school could be too much of a distraction. This means that authorities need to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding about banning or allowing phones.

Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com

Many parents and teachers worry about the risks or downsides associated with using cheap phones at school. However, there are plenty of ways in which children can use these devices for educational and beneficial purposes.

Educational Apps and Games

One of the most obvious ways in which cell phones can be used effectively for education is through the many educational apps and games out there. Mobile app stores are filled with educational content for kids of all ages.

There are apps designed to help kids learn languages, for example. There are also tools and games to help with every school subject, from math to geography.

Related: The 30 Best Educational Apps for School .

Digital Learning Materials

Anna Jurkovska/Shutterstock.com

Giving kids access to their phones at school allows them to use an almost endless library of digital learning materials. There are countless educational documents online, from scientific research papers to exam tips and more.

This can be very beneficial in a school environment. If a child doesn’t quite understand a subject, their teacher can help them by sharing digital learning materials that explain the idea in other ways.

Videos, Podcasts, and More

Every child has their own way of learning. Some like to learn by repeating and memorizing information over and over. Others are more visual learners and want to see ideas and concepts represented with images to get a strong understanding of how they work.

A great thing about using phones and other devices is that they can access all sorts of different digital materials. There are videos about scientific processes, podcasts discussing literature, and long-form articles on mathematic principles, for example.

Cell Phone eReaders

Reading is one of the crucial skills that all children are taught during their early school years. Being able to read well is so important in later life. This skill allows children, teens, and adults to read and understand countless resources, from books to articles and encyclopedias.

A great way that phones can be used in schools is as digital eReaders. It’s easy to download an eReading app onto a phone and then read digital versions of books and documents. This also has eco-friendly benefits, as it removes the need for paper or physical versions of books.

Online Encyclopedias

Another useful way in which phones can be effective at school is by giving kids access to online encyclopedias, like Wikipedia. These educational resources are very powerful, filled with reams of information and knowledge for kids to soak up.

Children can use their phones to look up the different topics they’re taught at school. This can help to deepen their understanding of almost any subject. It also provides supplementary information that the class teacher might not mention.

Screen Control Apps

One of the common problems that people cite when it comes to phones in schools is that they can be distracting. Many parents and teachers worry that kids will spend too much time looking at their phones and not enough time paying attention in class.

However, a way to combat this is to make use of screen control apps. Apps like Kids360 , for example, allow you to track and control how much time your child’s device is on.

Collaboration and Group Work

Often, teachers put kids into groups and ask them to work together on a project. This is a great way for kids of different ages to not only build new social bonds but also develop their teamwork skills.

Phones can be helpful tools for collaboration. They facilitate communication between the different team members, letting everyone participate, even after-school when the various team members say goodbye and go home for the day.

Related: What Age Should a Kid Get a Phone? The Ultimate Guide to Deciding .

Zivica Kerkez/Shutterstock.com

Clearly, when it comes to phones in schools, there are both pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages.

A Powerful Learning Tool

One of the best benefits of allowing cell phones in school is their incredible potential for educational benefits and stronger learning.

As shown above, there are lots of ways that phones can be used for learning. They give access to eReaders, educational apps, online encyclopedias, and more.

An Additional Security Measure

Another benefit of letting kids take phones to school is for their own safety. If any kind of emergency happens, the child will be able to make a call and get help or contact their parents.

Not only that, but phones can be helpful for safeguarding kids outside of school, as they make their way home. Parents can use the Findmykids app to track their child’s location and keep them secure.

Download the Findmykids app today for free and be sure your child is safe wherever they are.

Communication with Friends and Family

Despite having so many different uses nowadays, the primary purpose of a phone is for communication.

Phones at school can help kids keep in touch with one another, work together on group projects, and build strong friendships.

Organization

Many students struggle to stay organized. It can be hard to keep track of homework, schedules, assignments, exams, and so on.

Phones make organization easier. They come with calendar apps and other handy tools to help kids organize their lives and become more independent.

Saving Schools Money

Phones can also provide benefits for the school itself. Instead of having to spend lots of money on school devices like tablets or iPads, the school can simply ask students to use their phones.

eReader apps can remove the need for investment in books, and phones could therefore help schools with limited budgets or resources.

Helping Children from Lower-Income Homes

Proshkin Aleksandr/Shutterstock.com

Another financial-related benefit of phones at school is that they might be able to help kids who come from lower-income homes.

Some kids don’t have internet access or computers at home. Being able to use a phone at school can give them the knowledge and tech skills they need to succeed later in life.

Teaching Kids Tech Skills

Technology is an integral part of today’s world. Kids will need to know how to use various technological tools like phones, computers, and the internet as they grow up.

Bringing phones to school will help to level the playing field and give all kids the chance to learn about how to their devices in the best ways to access knowledge and learn skills.

Teaching Digital Responsibility

If kids aren’t taught the rights and wrongs of using their phones, they may have to simply figure things out for themselves. This could lead to bad habits and serious mistakes being made in their future.

Bringing phones to school gives teachers the chance to teach children about digital responsibility. It can teach them when it’s allowed to use their phones and how to use them in a way that is respectful of others.

As well as the pros listed above, there are also several cons to take into consideration regarding phones in schools. Here are a few of the big concerns:

A Distraction

One of the big issues that many people talk about with phones in schools is the risk of them becoming a distraction. Kids could start looking at their phones while the teacher is talking and miss out on valuable information, for example.

There’s also a risk of kids being less likely to interact and socialize together if they’re too distracted by their screens and devices.

However, this disadvantage can be easily dealt with. For example, you can install the Kids360 app and make a schedule for using the gadget—restrict access to games during school and before going to bed and monitor which applications and how long the child is using.

Mental Health Effects and Addiction

Some studies have shown that phones could have a negative effect on a child or teen’s mental health. It’s even possible for children of varying ages to develop addictions or dependencies on their devices.

This is why phone usage needs to be carefully monitored, controlled, and balanced. If a child is allowed to use their phone non-stop, they could easily become addicted to them.

Possible Cyberbullying

Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock.com

Bullying has always been a big problem in schools across the globe. It has changed form over the years, with cyberbullying becoming more prevalent in modern times.

With cyberbullying, bullies can use the internet and technological devices, like phones, to send harmful messages or spread false rumors about their peers. This can be very damaging to the victims.

Read also Children and cyberbullying: what is it and how to stop it?

Risk of Cheating

Another possible downside to consider with allowing phones in schools is the risk of cheating. During an exam, for instance, a student could use their phone to look up the answer to a question.

This kind of behavior could damage the integrity of the examination process. It could also make children too dependent on their devices and cause them to get false grades that are not reflective of their true abilities.

Potential for Misuse

Of course, with any internet-connected device, there’s also a risk of phones being misused by children. Instead of using them for educational purposes, kids could simply play games or watch videos.

There’s also a chance of children being able to access unsuitable content on their phones via the internet. For this reason, any phone usage at school would need to be carefully monitored.

EZ-Stock Studio/Shutterstock.com

If, after weighing up the pros and cons of phones in schools, you feel that phones should be banned or strictly controlled, you might like to consider an alternative. So, are there any other devices out there that can provide similar benefits and uses?

In general, the only alternatives to phones are other devices that function in a similar way, like GPS and smartwatches, or laptops and tablets. These devices allow access to educational materials and apps, but also have many of the same risks and downsides as phones.

Choose a GPS watch for a child right now and be calm for the safety of your child wherever they are!

Everyone will have their opinion on whether or not phones should be allowed in schools. However, after weighing up the pros and cons, it’s arguable that the benefits of phones outweigh the risks and kids should be allowed the opportunity to use their phones in certain ways at school.

These technological tools are part of the world, and kids will use them throughout their lives. By bringing them into the school environment, it should be easier to teach children and teens the right ways to use their phones for educational purposes, rather than simply as distractions, giving them valuable knowledge and skills they can take into later life.

The picture on the front page: BearFotos/Shutterstock.com

SMDH is one of the many acronyms used by teens and younger people, especially online…

December is almost here, and that means Christmas time. This month will feature many of…

Do you have a child who seems jealous of their parent’s affection? As children develop,…

Subscribe now!

Glad you've joined us🎉🎉.

Uses of Mobile Phones Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on uses of mobile phones.

Mobile phones are one of the most commonly used gadgets in today’s world. Everyone from a child to an adult uses mobile phones these days. They are indeed very useful and help us in so many ways.

Mobile phones indeed make our lives easy and convenient but at what cost? They are a blessing only till we use it correctly. As when we use them for more than a fixed time, they become harmful for us.

Uses of Mobile Phone

We use mobile phones for almost everything now. Gone are the days when we used them for only calling. Now, our lives revolve around it. They come in use for communicating through voice, messages, and mails. We can also surf the internet using a phone. Most importantly, we also click photos and record videos through our mobile’s camera.

The phones of this age are known as smartphones . They are no less than a computer and sometimes even more. You can video call people using this phone, and also manage your official documents. You get the chance to use social media and play music through it.

Moreover, we see how mobile phones have replaced computers and laptops . We carry out all the tasks through mobile phones which we initially did use our computers. We can even make powerpoint presentations on our phones and use it as a calculator to ease our work.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of Mobile Phones

While mobile phones are very beneficial, they also come to a lot of disadvantages. Firstly, they create a distance between people. As people spend time on their phones, they don’t talk to each other much. People will sit in the same room and be busy on their phones instead of talking to each other.

Subsequently, phones waste a lot of time. People get distracted by them easily and spend hours on their phones. They are becoming dumber while using smartphones . They do not do their work and focus on using phones.

Most importantly, mobile phones are a cause of many ailments. When we use phones for a long time, our eyesight gets weaker. They cause strain on our brains. We also suffer from headaches, watery eyes, sleeplessness and more.

Moreover, mobile phones have created a lack of privacy in people’s lives. As all your information is stored on your phone and social media , anyone can access it easily. We become vulnerable to hackers. Also, mobile phones consume a lot of money. They are anyway expensive and to top it, we buy expensive gadgets to enhance our user experience.

In short, we see how it is both a bane and a boon. It depends on us how we can use it to our advantage. We must limit our usage of mobile phones and not let it control us. As mobile phones are taking over our lives, we must know when to draw the line. After all, we are the owners and not the smartphone.

FAQs on Uses of Mobile Phones

Q.1 How do mobile phones help us?

A.1 Mobile phones are very advantageous. They help us in making our lives easy and convenient. They help us communicate with our loved ones and carry out our work efficiently. Furthermore, they also do the work of the computer, calculator, and cameras.

Q.2 What is the abuse of mobile phone use?

A.2 People are nowadays not using but abusing mobile phones. They are using them endlessly which is ruining their lives. They are the cause of many ailments. They distract us and keep us away from important work. Moreover, they also compromise with our privacy making us vulnerable to hackers.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Information Science and Technology Cell Phones

Cell Phones as a Distraction in School: Navigating the Learning Environment

Table of contents, cell phone distraction: a pervasive issue, diminished focus and academic performance, social implications and peer pressure, mitigating the distraction.

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

• Operating System
• Cryptography
• Net Neutrality
• Julian Assange
• Microsoft Corporation

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

• Undergraduate
• High School
• Architecture
• American History
• Asian History
• Antique Literature
• American Literature
• Asian Literature
• Classic English Literature
• World Literature
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics
• Criminal Justice
• Legal Issues
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Political Science
• World Affairs
• African-American Studies
• East European Studies
• Latin-American Studies
• Native-American Studies
• West European Studies
• Family and Consumer Science
• Social Issues
• Women and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Natural Sciences
• Pharmacology
• Earth science
• Agriculture
• Agricultural Studies
• Computer Science
• IT Management
• Mathematics
• Investments
• Engineering and Technology
• Engineering
• Aeronautics
• Medicine and Health
• Alternative Medicine
• Communications and Media
• Advertising
• Communication Strategies
• Public Relations
• Educational Theories
• Teacher's Career
• Chicago/Turabian
• Company Analysis
• Education Theories
• Shakespeare
• Canadian Studies
• Food Safety
• Relation of Global Warming and Extreme Weather Condition
• Movie Review
• Admission Essay
• Annotated Bibliography
• Application Essay
• Article Critique
• Article Review
• Article Writing
• Book Review
• Business Plan
• Business Proposal
• Capstone Project
• Cover Letter
• Creative Essay
• Dissertation
• Dissertation - Abstract
• Dissertation - Conclusion
• Dissertation - Discussion
• Dissertation - Hypothesis
• Dissertation - Introduction
• Dissertation - Literature
• Dissertation - Methodology
• Dissertation - Results
• GCSE Coursework
• Grant Proposal
• Marketing Plan
• Multiple Choice Quiz
• Personal Statement
• Power Point Presentation
• Power Point Presentation With Speaker Notes
• Questionnaire
• Reaction Paper
• Research Paper
• Research Proposal
• SWOT analysis
• Thesis Paper
• Online Quiz
• Literature Review
• Movie Analysis
• Statistics problem
• Math Problem
• All papers examples
• How It Works
• Money Back Policy
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• We Are Hiring

Cell Phones in School, Essay Example

Pages: 6

Words: 1613

Hire a Writer for Custom Essay

Use 10% Off Discount: "custom10" in 1 Click 👇

You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

The use of cell phones has become a part of teenagers’ everyday life.   As a result, teachers and parents are both concerned by the excessive use of cell phones by teens.  Parents and teachers are divided on the actual use or harm that cell phones may present for it users. While others are optimistic that cell phones uses may outweigh the cons. A recent study showed that more than 1.3 billion teenagers had cell phones with access to the Internet.  Teenagers spend a lot of time on their phones. Many believe it has become an addiction. On average, teenagers spend more than 7 hours per day on their phones. Yes, teenagers spend time updating accounts, posting pictures, following, and liking others topics, but sometimes they use their cell phones for educational purposes. This is especially true when they are allowed to use them in the classroom. When it is implemented in the classroom, students will enjoy learning because it doesn’t really seem like work. How many teen-agers don’t have a cell phone these days? The brilliant thing about cell phones is that they are no longer just used for calling or texting. They have become an way to have access to nearly anything at one’s fingertips. Today’s cell phone is equivalent to having a computer in your back pocket. According to Sterner, “Remember everything about that cell phone in your student’s pocket is vastly more powerful than the computer used by Neil Armstrong to land on the moon” (57). Take advantage of that power! With all of these advantages, should students be permitted to have and use cell phones in school? I believe students should be permitted to use cell phones in school because they allow students to have access to family and friends, they are also an excellent learning resource, and they teach students to use technology responsibly.

Cell phones are a great communication resource. With school violence being on the rise, parents can sigh a breath of relief knowing that their children can contact them if they need to. Cell phones are a great way to keep in touch with friends as well. First, cell phones make it possible for students to stay in touch with family and friends. A student can call home and ask a family member to bring them a forgotten assignment or to come pick them up if they are sick. Also, cell phones allow parents to keep track of their children’s whereabouts before, during, and after school. There’s always the possibility of a student needing to contact a parent because of a dangerous situation. Students can also connect with friends. A teacher may asks students to text or email other students when they are absent to let them know what’s going on in class. Some teachers even allow students to text or email assignments directly to them. Also, some teachers use it as an instrument of producing desired behaviors. “The cell phone is a tangible symbol of teens’ independence. Its power with my students makes it a useful instrument for getting the behavior needed in class However, only few teachers are implementing the use of cell phones into their classes”(57). When used responsibly, a cell phone can be an excellent communication tool.

Also, smart phones are a fabulous learning resource that nearly every student has access to. Turkle said,

“Almost all teenagers in America today have used social media. Nine out of 10 (90%) 13- to 17-year-olds have used some form of social media. Three out of four (75%) teenagers currently have a profile on a social networking site, and one in five (22%) has a current Twitter account (27% have ever used Twitter). Facebook utterly dominates social networking use among teens: 68% of all teens say Facebook is their main social networking site, compared to 6% for Twitter, 1% for Google Plus, and 1% for MySpace (25% don’t have a social networking site” (Turkle, 11 ).

With numbers like these, why wouldn’t teachers use them as a resource? Also, students can use tools such as the calculator, the map finder, and the calendar. Some students use their cell phones in Math and Geography to keep track of homework or search about information that is unfamiliar to them. Some science and history teachers allow students to use smart phones to do research when they are doing group work or working on a project. For example, Mr. Sterner, the author of the article, says he adheres to the school and building policies about the use of cell phones; however, he sets clear rules for his classroom. Students know that once they have broken those rules they will lose their cell phone use privileges (57). Cell phones are a quick and easy way to incorporate technology in the classroom.

All teachers agree that their role is to prepare students for the real world. Technology is a great part of the real world. Filling out job applications, paying bills, and even registering to vote can be completed online via the use of technology now. In most cases, the use of technology has taken the place of the traditional learning environment. Many educators are afraid that this trend is leading to the death of knowledge; however, it is only leading to a new way of obtaining and using knowledge. The use of pencil and paper has been replaced with keypads and wireless internet. Yes, there are some cons to the excessive use of technology. For example, many students have poor penmanship and spelling skills because of the constant use of text lingo. As a result, many students have great difficulty writing using formal standards. When texting and emailing, there are really no grammar rules. Studies have proven that daily use of technology is restructuring the brains of our younger generation. Is that such a bad thing? The world is changing daily and the brains of teens are changing in order to keep up with the changes around them. Another drawback that has been noted is that young people are unable to face challenges and solve problems they may encounter in face to face situations. As a result, many youngsters a very confrontational. They are unable to adequately express themselves.

A final reason is that cell phones encourage the responsible use of technology and will power. Sterner mentioned a study that was conducted in the 60s and 70s by Walter Mischel called the Marshmallow test. The test was conducted to determine if the desire to do something could be altered or delayed. It was determined that it could be and that the development of this strategy would be helpful later in life. Mischel conducted several delayed gratification tests in which subjects were able to use their own will power to delay actions. He concluded that those with will power were more socially accepted, popular, and successful in academics (Sterner, 58). Students often cannot resist looking at their phones to check Facebook or Twitter. However, having their phone in their pocket, but resisting the urge to check their phones instills work ethics and professionalism. Students can learn when and how to use their cell phones to enhance their learning or just for fun. They will become more independent in their work and more motivated to learn. Students like being allowed to make choices. If a student is texting when he/she should be paying attention to the teacher, the teacher should take the cell phone away from the student. By allowing the use of cell phones, students will feel like they are being treated like responsible young adults, and they will appreciate that. In one study, it was concluded that teachers who allow student to use their phones at designated times had a higher rate of compliancy to classroom rules. The teachers who participated in the study stated that they defined specific rules that students had to abide by. They knew when they were in a “free zone” or could use their phones without consequences. More than 88 percent of those teachers felt that by allowing them to use their phones improved classroom behavior issues. In many cases, students who did not have cell phones were able to partner with another student to complete work. Students participated more in class and were willing to respond without reluctance. One teacher said she allowed her students to use cell phones for specific activities on specific days per week. For example, he said:

“I have my students use their cell phones for things like: l Poetry analysis (dictionary) and composition (thesaurus); l Tweeting from a character’s point of view to aid character analysis; l Research (short-term, brief only); and l Photojournalism for viewing examples and creating our own photo essays” (Sterner, 57).

Of course, teachers will have to have guidelines and rules for the proper use of cell phones in the classroom. Nevertheless, they are such a great resource every teachers needs to consider implementing them in their classroom.

In conclusion, cell phones ensure communication, are a learning resource, and encourage appropriate use of technology and build will power. People who oppose the use of cell phones in school do so because of the disruptions and distractions cell phones can cause; however, we must accept that we live in the technology era and that cell phones are an important and very useful part of the educational world. Students miss out if teachers fail to take advantage of the educational power of the cell phone. Let’s make the most of the day and age we are living in!

Works Cited

Sterner, R. “4 Things You’ll Miss By Banning Cell Phones in Your Classroom.” Education Digest 81.2(2015):56 MasterFile Premier, Web, 2 Nov. 2015

Turkle, S. (2004). How computers change the way we think. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 50 (21), 10-15

Stuck with your Essay?

Get in touch with one of our experts for instant help!

Exploration of the Cult of Monuments, Essay Example

New Laws and Rising Costs, Essay Example

Time is precious

don’t waste it!

Plagiarism-free guarantee

Privacy guarantee

Secure checkout

Money back guarantee

Related Essay Samples & Examples

Voting as a civic responsibility, essay example.

Pages: 1

Words: 287

Utilitarianism and Its Applications, Essay Example

Words: 356

The Age-Related Changes of the Older Person, Essay Example

Pages: 2

Words: 448

The Problems ESOL Teachers Face, Essay Example

Pages: 8

Words: 2293

Should English Be the Primary Language? Essay Example

Pages: 4

Words: 999

The Term “Social Construction of Reality”, Essay Example

Words: 371

Banning Cell Phones in Schools Essay Example

Do schools care that cell phones are creating an unhealthy environment for students? In almost every free period, students sit on their cell phones with their heads down. Why would schools want their students to waste free time when they can spend that time working on school work or interacting with others? Students are also missing out on so much information just from being on their cell phone during a class. Cell phones cause distractions, fewer interactions, and failure. Schools should care about their students by banning cell phones. 

The main reason why students are becoming more distracted during class is because of their cell phones. When students sit on their cell phones during a class, it makes it very difficult for them to stay focused. Since the use of cell phones are increasing, bullying over social media is also starting to increase. Because of this, students face emotional hits if they see that they are left out of a group chat or see photos of which they compare themselves to. If this happens to a student during the schoolday, it can make it very difficult for them to stay engaged during class or when they are doing school work (“Smartphones”). 

Along with students being distracted, cell phones have caused fewer interactions between students. U.S. government teacher, Joe Clemet, and teacher, Matt Miles, have said that free periods have deteriorated from lively talk among students and teachers to silent screen reading. Clement thought that he could bring back the lively talk of students during free period classes by restricting cell phones. Students responded by not showing up. Instead, students went to a different free period class where cell phones were not restricted (Mathews). Also, it has been found that cell phone use increases the rate of depression. Face-to-face interactions with friends helps decreases the rate of depression (“Smartphones”). Creating a school environment without cell phones will help give students the opportunity to have face-to-face interactions with other students. Creating a school environment without cell phones will also help create a healthy environment for students. 

Furthermore, cell phone in school does not boost achievement. Students who interact with their cell phones during class tend to perform poorly on tests (usually a full letter grade or more). Some schools that have decided to change their cell phone policy saw an increase in test scores by 6.41%. Based on a study in 2017, some participants were told to keep their cell phones nearby and the other participants were told to put their cell phones in a different room. Then, each participant was asked to perform a memory test. The participants who didn’t have their cell phones performed much better than the participants who had their cell phones (“Smartphones”).

Finally, some schools believe that allowing students to use their cell phones during the school day isn’t a bad thing. Some schools have even worked cell phones into the daily curriculum. From text reminders to school apps, cell phones are making the learning system much more easier (Kennedy). Even though cell phones are making the learning system much more easier, there will be a higher chance that students will cheat, cell phones will still cause distractions, and there will still be fewer interactions between students.Working cell phones into the daily curriculum won’t solve these problems.

In conclusion, cell phones create an unhealthy school environment for students. They cause distractions, failure, and fewer interactions. It has been proven that students perform poorly in school if cell phones are allowed. It has also been proven that decreasing cell phone use in school will help increase interactions between students. Schools should want their students to have a healthy environment. Cell phones should be banned in schools.

Related Samples

• Overlooked in the Education System Essay Example
• Science Research III Course Review
• Certainty and Doubt Essay Example
• Choosing a College Course (Free Essay Sample)
• The Benefits of a Mandatory High School Health Class Essay Example
• The Benefits of Homework Free Essay Example
• Colleges Should Take More Time When Looking at Students Application Essay Example
• Why Do Students Cheat Essay Example
• My Writing Essay Example
• Online Education Essay Example

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

Argumentative Essay on the Use of Mobile Phones in Schools

Here you have an argumentative essay on the use of mobile phones in schools with Pdf. You can Download it free from here, and take advantage of many more essays examples.

Introduction

There are both positive and negative effects of cell phones on today’s generation. In my opinion, there are good reasons why students allow cell phones to be used in schools.

Parents can communicate directly with their children in emergencies. During break time, when there is no continuous classroom, children can easily talk to their parents and get the information they need from them. Besides, if students suddenly decide to participate in an after-school program, they may be able to quickly inform their parents about the use of their cell phones.

The endless technological advances these days have made cell phone use more common. First, computers and then cell phones significantly impact people’s lives. Therefore, we all need to educate our students and inform them of the benefits and benefits of using cell phones.

In my opinion, students have the right to bring their cell phones to school until the classroom is not disrupted. If they do, teachers may punish him. Sometimes, school phones do not work well and have very little value. If by the time most students need a phone, how will they be able to contact their parents? That’s why I think; students must be allowed to bring cell phones to school.

There may be situations where students plan to meet alone in other areas. If so, they will not be able to contact you by phone at school. With their cell phones, they can easily communicate with others. They could even use their cell phones as a counter flashlight at school.

Mobile phones help to increase mobility and flexibility between students and their parents. Students can use a cell phone for a Caffe, a library, a toilet, and anything else if that does not affect anyone else. If students need their parents to bring them something important to the school, cell phones will help students.

Allowing mobile phones in school does not mean that students have the opportunity to use mobile phones in any way. They should not spend time playing games on mobile phones at school. As a result, the school may introduce new rules such as whether students will need to put their cell phones in front of them or hand out their cell phones to teachers. If the phone rings or students need to call someone, teachers will give them phones.

Many schools in India do not have computers. Therefore, cell phones that are very useful for students can be used to learn a few things that should be taught on a computer. If a person forgets to bring his notebook, he can quickly take notes on his mobile phone.

There are also the adverse effects of cell phones, such as private games, obscene viewing of the toilet, etc. But school authorities must take action and make new rules for these things. Parents of learners should be kept informed of everything they do at school on their mobile phones. If these things are not done, mobile phones should be allowed to be used in school by students.

Pdf of argumentative essay on the use of mobile phones in schools

If you want to Download the Pdf of argumentative essay on the use of mobile phones in schools then click on the given link it is free of cost.

1 thought on “Argumentative Essay on the Use of Mobile Phones in Schools in 500 Words”

Hii, Thanks for visiting our blog to know the “Argumentative Essay on the Use of Mobile Phones in Schools” and if you have any doubts or suggestions. Please comment below.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Home — Essay Samples — Information Science and Technology — Cell Phones — Cell Phones in the schools

Cell Phones in The Schools

• Categories: Cell Phones

About this sample

Words: 989 |

Published: Dec 5, 2018

Words: 989 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited

• Johnson, L., Smith, R., Willis, H., Levine, A., & Haywood, K. (2010). The 2010 Horizon Report: K-12 Edition. The New Media Consortium.
• Penuel, W. R., Briggs, D. C., Davidson, K. L., Herlihy, C., Hill, H. C., Farrell, C., ... & Gallagher, D. J. (2017). Findings from a study of research-practice partnerships in education and implications for the future. William T. Grant Foundation.
• Kirschner, P. A., & De Bruyckere, P. (2017). The myths of the digital native and the multitasker. Teaching and Teacher Education, 67, 135-142.
• Boyd, D. (2014). It's complicated: The social lives of networked teens. Yale University Press.
• Heitner, D. (2017). Screenwise: Helping kids thrive (and survive) in their digital world. Routledge.
• Baron, N. S. (2015). Words Onscreen: The Fate of Reading in a Digital World. Oxford University Press.
• Ito, M., Horst, H. A., Bittanti, M., Boyd, D., Herr-Stephenson, R., Lange, P. G., ... & Tripp, L. (2008). Living and learning with new media: Summary of findings from the digital youth project. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Reports on Digital Media and Learning.
• Christensen, C. M., Horn, M. B., & Staker, H. (2013). Is K-12 blended learning disruptive? An introduction to the theory of hybrids. Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation.
• Warschauer, M. (2018). Learning in the cloud: How (and why) to transform schools with digital media. Teachers College Press.
• UNESCO. (2013). Mobile learning for teachers in UNESCO member states. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

• Expert in: Information Science and Technology

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 910 words

1 pages / 429 words

6 pages / 2732 words

2 pages / 1050 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Cell Phones

In today's digital age, cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, including in the classroom setting. The debate over whether cell phones should be allowed in schools has been ongoing, with proponents arguing [...]

A cell phone is one of the devices mostly used according to the meta-analysis statistic taken. Approximately, 80 percent of the world population uses a cell phone in various aspects such as communication which is the main core. [...]

Cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing convenience and connectivity like never before. However, the question of whether or not cell phones should be allowed in certain settings, such as schools or [...]

The evolution of cell phones has been one of the most remarkable technological advancements of the modern era. From their humble beginnings as large, bulky devices with limited capabilities to the sleek, multifunctional [...]

There are many reasons why cell phones should not be allowed in school, and in this essay, I will present some of them. Firstly, cell phones can be a major distraction in the classroom, both for the students using them and for [...]

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. These portable devices, equipped with advanced features and functionalities, have revolutionized the way we communicate, [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• Share full article

Advertisement

Subscriber-only Newsletter

Jessica Grose

Get tech out of the classroom before it’s too late.

By Jessica Grose

Opinion Writer

Jaime Lewis noticed that her eighth-grade son’s grades were slipping several months ago. She suspected it was because he was watching YouTube during class on his school-issued laptop, and her suspicions were validated. “I heard this from two of his teachers and confirmed with my son: Yes, he watches YouTube during class, and no, he doesn’t think he can stop. In fact, he opted out of retaking a math test he’d failed, just so he could watch YouTube,” she said.

She decided to do something about it. Lewis told me that she got together with other parents who were concerned about the unfettered use of school-sanctioned technology in San Luis Coastal Unified School District, their district in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Because they knew that it wasn’t realistic to ask for the removal of the laptops entirely, they went for what they saw as an achievable win: blocking YouTube from students’ devices. A few weeks ago, they had a meeting with the district superintendent and several other administrators, including the tech director.

To bolster their case, Lewis and her allies put together a video compilation of clips that elementary and middle school children had gotten past the district’s content filters.

Their video opens on images of nooses being fitted around the necks of the terrified women in the TV adaptation of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” It ends with the notoriously violent “Singin’ in the Rain” sequence from “A Clockwork Orange.” (Several versions of this scene are available on YouTube. The one she pointed me to included “rape scene” in the title.) Their video was part of a PowerPoint presentation filled with statements from other parents and school staff members, including one from a middle school assistant principal, who said, “I don’t know how often teachers are using YouTube in their curriculum.”

That acknowledgment gets to the heart of the problem with screens in schools. I heard from many parents who said that even when they asked district leaders how much time kids were spending on their screens, they couldn’t get straight answers; no one seemed to know, and no one seemed to be keeping track.

Eric Prater, the superintendent of the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, told me that he didn’t realize how much was getting through the schools’ content filters until Lewis and her fellow parents raised concerns. “Our tech department, as I found out from the meeting, spends quite a lot of time blocking certain websites,” he said. “It’s a quite time-consuming situation that I personally was not aware of.” He added that he’s grateful this was brought to his attention.

I don’t think educators are the bad guys here. Neither does Lewis. In general, educators want the best for students. The bad guys, as I see it, are tech companies.

One way or another, we’ve allowed Big Tech’s tentacles into absolutely every aspect of our children’s education, with very little oversight and no real proof that their devices or programs improve educational outcomes. Last year Collin Binkley at The Associated Press analyzed public records and found that “many of the largest school systems spent tens of millions of dollars in pandemic money on software and services from tech companies, including licenses for apps, games and tutoring websites.” However, he continued, schools “have little or no evidence the programs helped students.”

It’s not just waste, very likely, of taxpayer money that’s at issue. After reading many of the over 900 responses from parents and educators to my questionnaire about tech in schools and from the many conversations I had over the past few weeks with readers, I’m convinced that the downsides of tech in schools far outweigh the benefits.

Though tech’s incursion into America’s public schools — particularly our overreliance on devices — hyperaccelerated in 2020, it started well before the Covid-19 pandemic. Google, which provides the operating system for lower-cost Chromebooks and is owned by the same parent company as YouTube, is a big player in the school laptop space, though I also heard from many parents and teachers whose schools supply students with other types and brands of devices.

As my newsroom colleague Natasha Singer reported in 2017 (by which point “half the nation’s primary- and secondary-school students” were, according to Google, using its education apps), “Google makes $30 per device by selling management services for the millions of Chromebooks that ship to schools. But by habituating students to its offerings at a young age, Google obtains something much more valuable”: potential lifetime customers.

The issue goes beyond access to age-inappropriate clips or general distraction during school hours. Several parents related stories of even kindergartners reading almost exclusively on iPads because their school districts had phased out hard-copy books and writing materials after shifting to digital-only curriculums. There’s evidence that this is harmful: A 2019 analysis of the literature concluded that “readers may be more efficient and aware of their performance when reading from paper compared to screens.”

“It seems to be a constant battle between fighting for the students’ active attention (because their brains are now hard-wired for the instant gratification of TikTok and YouTube videos) and making sure they aren’t going to sites outside of the dozens they should be,” Nicole Post, who teaches at a public elementary school in Missouri, wrote to me. “It took months for students to listen to me tell a story or engage in a read-aloud. I’m distressed at the level of technology we’ve socialized them to believe is normal. I would give anything for a math or social studies textbook.”

I’ve heard about kids disregarding teachers who tried to limit tech use, fine motor skills atrophying because students rarely used pencils and children whose learning was ultimately stymied by the tech that initially helped them — for example, students learning English as a second language becoming too reliant on translation apps rather than becoming fluent.

Some teachers said they have programs that block certain sites and games, but those programs can be cumbersome. Some said they have software, like GoGuardian, that allows them to see the screens of all the students in their classes at once. But classroom time is zero sum: Teachers are either teaching or acting like prison wardens; they can’t do both at the same time.

Resources are finite. Software costs money . Replacing defunct or outdated laptops costs money . When it comes to I.T., many schools are understaffed . More of the money being spent on tech and the maintenance and training around the use of that tech could be spent on other things, like actual books. And badly monitored and used tech has the most potential for harm.

I’ve considered the counterarguments: Kids who’d be distracted by tech would find something else to distract them; K-12 students need to gain familiarity with tech to instill some vague work force readiness.

But on the first point, I think other forms of distraction — like talking to friends, doodling and daydreaming — are better than playing video games or watching YouTube because they at least involve children engaging with other children or their own minds. And there’s research that suggests laptops are uniquely distracting . One 2013 study found that even being next to a student who is multitasking on a computer can hurt a student’s test scores.

On the second point, you can have designated classes to teach children how to keyboard, code or use software that don’t require them to have laptops in their hands throughout the school day. And considering that various tech companies are developing artificial intelligence that, we’re meant to understand, will upend work as we know it , whatever tech skills we’re currently teaching will probably be obsolete by the time students enter the work force anyway. By then, it’ll be too late to claw back the brain space of our nation’s children that we’ve already ceded. And for what? So today’s grade schoolers can be really, really good at making PowerPoint presentations like the ones they might one day make as white-collar adults?

That’s the part that I can’t shake: We’ve let tech companies and their products set the terms of the argument about what education should be, and too many people, myself included, didn’t initially realize it. Companies never had to prove that devices or software, broadly speaking, helped students learn before those devices had wormed their way into America’s public schools. And now the onus is on parents to marshal arguments about the detriments of tech in schools.

Holly Coleman, a parent of two who lives in Kansas and is a substitute teacher in her district, describes what students are losing:

They can type quickly but struggle to write legibly. They can find info about any topic on the internet but can’t discuss that topic using recall, creativity or critical thinking. They can make a beautiful PowerPoint or Keynote in 20 minutes but can’t write a three-page paper or hand-make a poster board. Their textbooks are all online, which is great for the seams on their backpack, but tangible pages under your fingers literally connect you to the material you’re reading and learning. These kids do not know how to move through their day without a device in their hand and under their fingertips. They never even get the chance to disconnect from their tech and reconnect with one another through eye contact and conversation.

Jonathan Haidt’s new book, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” prescribes phone-free schools as a way to remedy some of the challenges facing America’s children. I agree that there’s no place for smartphones on a K-12 campus. But if you take away the phones and the kids still have near-constant internet connectivity on devices they have with them in every class, the problem won’t go away.

When Covid hit and screens became the only way for millions of kids to “attend” school, not having a personal device became an equity issue. But we’re getting to a point where the opposite may be true. According to the responses to my questionnaire, during the remote-school era, private schools seemed to rely far less on screens than public schools, and many educators said that they deliberately chose lower-tech school environments for their own children — much the same way that some tech workers intentionally send their kids to screen-free schools.

We need to reframe the entire conversation around tech in schools because it’s far from clear that we’re getting the results we want as a society and because parents are in a defensive crouch, afraid to appear anti-progress or unwilling to prepare the next generation for the future. “I feel like a baby boomer attacking like this,” said Lewis.

But the drawbacks of constant screen time in schools go beyond data privacy, job security and whether a specific app increases math performance by a standard deviation. As Lewis put it, using tech in the classroom makes students “so passive, and it requires so little agency and initiative.” She added, “I’m very concerned about the species’ ability to survive and the ability to think critically and the importance of critical thinking outside of getting a job.”

If we don’t hit pause now and try to roll back some of the excesses, we’ll be doing our children — and society — a profound disservice.

The good news is that sometimes when the stakes become clear, educators respond: In May, Dr. Prater said, “we’re going to remove access to YouTube from our district devices for students.” He added that teachers will still be able to get access to YouTube if they want to show instructional videos. The district is also rethinking its phone policy to cut down on personal device use in the classroom. “For me,” he said, “it’s all about how do you find the common-sense approach, going forward, and match that up with good old-fashioned hands-on learning?” He knows technology can cause “a great deal of harm if we’re not careful.”

Jessica Grose is an Opinion writer for The Times, covering family, religion, education, culture and the way we live now.

10 Cons of Having Cell Phones in Schools

Kids aren't far behind adults in knowing exactly where their phones are at all times, and checking theirs at all hours of the day. Yet, when kids spend a good chunk of time at school, the question rises for staff about how cell phones can affect their students in the classroom, and whether it's a good or bad thing.

Although American schools haven't rolled out a unified policy banning or permitting cell phones in class, there are a number of sound arguments for not allowing them.

With technology becoming more of a teaching element in schools, the question about cell phone use frequently gets brought up. While there's a grab bag of positive and negative things that come with students being able to whip out their phones at any time of the day, there are some specific cons you might never have thought about before.

They Can Be a Distraction

At the end of the day, the purpose of school is to learn, and research shows that cell phones might be hindering students' concentration. According to a 2010 study from Pew Research Center , 64% of students say they've texted in class and 25% have made or taken a call. And it's not just talking to others. That same study noted that 46% of students play games and 23% access social networks on their phone at any time.

More recently, a 2016 study assessing the impact cell phone bans have on student test scores found that students' results on important exams increased by 0.07 standard deviations on average after the bans were implemented.

If students get bored in class, it doesn't take much for them to get their cell phone out and play some games or endlessly scroll on TikTok. If students don't have access to cell phones, they have one less thing to get distracted over. And, given how much stuff you can do on a cell phone - the possibilities for distraction are endless.

Social Media Trends Can Disrupt Learning

If you've walked through the hallways of a middle school or high school in the past few years, you'll see kids filming things everywhere. TikTok is the hot button app right now, and students will break out a TikTok trend at the drop of a hat, including during a lesson.

There's no time or place in the school day that's exempt from being interrupted by some silly dance or challenge. Because documenting and posting your participation in something is almost more important than just doing the thing, cell phones are a vital piece of the disruption puzzle.

They Can Make Cheating Easier

Obviously, kids can't chat each other up in the middle of an exam, but the concept of "passing notes" has made it to the digital age, thanks to texts, notes apps, and galleries. Kids can text each other when teachers aren't looking about answers to the questions, and they can update their friends - or even the whole class - on some of the harder answers with a quick trip to the bathroom.

Cell phones are also advancing and improving faster than teachers can keep up with. Catching cheaters isn't as easy as finding them writing the answers on the inside of a water bottle label or carving out the scantron sheet pattern onto a large eraser.

Just take look at the statistics on how cell phones make cheating easier; a study from The Benenson Strategy Group in 2009 stated that 35% of the surveyed students have used cell phones to cheat . Additionally, 41% of students admit to storing notes on phones to use during tests and 46% of teens admitted to texting friends about answers.

The possibilities for cheating and copying are literally limitless when students have access to cell phones in class. And tech being such a big presence in the curriculum (school-provided laptops and mandatory online assignments, for example), makes it easier than ever for students to use dishonest methods to get the grades they want.

Expensive Phones Pose a Theft Threat

Cell phone theft is a problem in America, with 3.1 million cellphones being stolen in 2013, according to Consumer Reports . In 2020, the Prey Project released its second Mobile Theft & Loss Report, which claimed from its user's experiences that common robbery , which includes cell phone theft, went up by 10.51%.

Now add still developing brains, hormones, and flexible social status to the mix, and you can have the perfect combination for stealing. Considering how expensive cell phones are today, the last thing you want to do is to tempt would-be thieves by sending your kid to school with a $1,000+ phone that makes them a target. Lockers are more likely to be broken into, for example, if perpetrators know there's something of value in there.

There's a Risk of People Taking Illicit Pictures

Kids will be kids, so with hormones raging during their school days, there's a distinct possibility that some students may take explicit pictures or videos. This is especially dangerous when students take explicit pictures of other students, violating their consent. What used to be email chains and text threads have transformed into viral social posts that can't be scrubbed from the internet. So, what can start as a cruel prank can quickly turn into something criminal.

They Can Make Cyberbullying Easier

Along the same lines, cell phones also make it easier to cyberbully, which is when a person uses electronic communication to intimidate, threaten, or humiliate a person. Not only can cell phones make it easier for rumors to spread like wildfire throughout a school, but students can also send mean or hurtful texts to others or post inappropriate pictures of students.

Data from the Cyberbullying Research in 2016 showed that 33.8% of students have been bullied in their lifetime, 11.9% have been threatened through a cell phone text and 11.1% have had a hurtful image of them posted. In addition, a whopping 25.7% have experienced one or more different types of cyberbullying.

By 2022, 49% of 15-17-year-old students polled by the Pew Research Center have experienced some form of cyberbullying . With cell phones readily available in schools, cyberbullying is a lot easier to do.

They Can Exacerbate Social Stratification

In schools, the social hierarchy is everywhere, and it affects everything. Owning the latest cell phone can mean the difference between flying under the radar and being singled out.

Ultimately, the cell phone performs as an extension of class and financial means. People with older phones are viewed (and sometimes treated) differently than their peers. This negative feedback loop only hurts everyone involved. People who want to 'fit in' lean into these social rules and look down on those who can't afford the best tech, while those who don't have access to expensive phones might struggle to find their place in the school's social sphere.

They Make Accessing Inappropriate Material Easier

While most schools have filters and regulations to block out inappropriate material, Gen Z and Gen Alpha students are more tech savvy than any generation before. Large classrooms can also make accessing inappropriate material easier. And, since every cell phone can use data to get online, students can bypass the school servers and look up whatever they want to simply by turning off the Wi-Fi.

They Can Increase Kids' Chances of Being Taken Advantage Of

If you grew up in the early 2000s, then you remember the huge internet safety movement that warned kids about the dangers of talking to strangers online. Oh, the irony of social media creating a central place for kids to interact with complete strangers all the time.

Without having fully developed brains, kids can't even conceive of the consequences that can come from DMing a totally random person. Because cell phones aren't always connected to the wi-fi, and if we're being honest, schools aren't monitoring their daily internet activity at that detailed of a level, it's so difficult to monitor kid's safety online. But, with limited access to devices that let them get online, there are fewer chances for them to be taken advantage of.

There's an Unquantified Health Risk

The EPA has regulations that discourage too much exposure to technology and allowing students to have cell phones in school can increase their screen time during the day. Cell phones give off a low level of non-ionizing radiation, for which the long-term effects at low levels are still being studied. However, letting students use their cell phones during school adds to their exposure to this type of radiation, which could in turn have increased harmful effects on their developing bodies and minds.

It's More Complicated Than a Yes or No

It's important that we don't moralize cell phones. They're just a technological tool that lets us do a myriad of things, both good and bad. Yet, as younger and younger students are bringing phones to school, it's worth thinking through the possible negative side effects that can come with it.

Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes school cellphone ban, prompting criticism from schools chief

Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed a bill intended to limit students' cellphone use during the school day, prompting criticism from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne.

House Bill 2793, introduced by Rep. Beverly Pingerelli, R-Peoria, would have directed school districts and charter schools to develop and enforce policies that "limit the use of wireless communication devices by students during the school day" and restrict student access to social media platforms while on school internet.

The bill made exceptions for students to use cellphones for educational purposes and during emergencies. It passed both the House and Senate along party lines, with Democrats opposed.

"Too many students are spending far too much time plugged into their phones and not engaged in school," Pingerelli said during a House Education Committee meeting in February. During that meeting, Rep. Laura Terech, D-Phoenix, noted that a law already exists directing schools to adopt policies "regarding the use of technology and the internet while at school."

Hobbs vetoed Pingerelli's bill on April 8, saying it would have established an "unnecessary mandate for an issue schools are already addressing."

On Friday, Horne criticized Hobbs' decision, saying that educators should not have to tolerate students scrolling on their cellphones while trying to teach. "Every instructional minute is precious," Horne said in a news release.

He also said that cellphone use during the school day increases instances of bullying.

Some Arizona school districts have already taken it upon themselves to limit cellphone use during school hours.

This school year, the Scottsdale Unified School District implemented an "away for the day" policy for its elementary and middle schoolers, requiring them to turn off and store cellphones during the school day. Arlington Elementary School, a small school west of Buckeye, purchased cellphone lockers for students after its governing board voted in March to prohibit cellphone use during school hours. The Buckeye Union High School District recently purchased lockable cellphone pouches from a brand called Yondr for the rooms used for in-school suspensions at its three high schools and for its alternative school.

School districts across Arizona have also joined schools nationwide in suing the owners of TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, alleging the social media giants have knowingly contributed to a mental health crisis among their students and forced them to divert resources to address it.

According to a 2022 survey from the National Center for Education Statistics, 76% of schools nationwide said they prohibited non-academic cellphone use during the school day.

Bills similar to the one introduced by Pingerelli have seen success in other states. In 2023, Florida's governor signed a bill directing teachers to designate areas for cellphones during class and prohibiting TikTok on district-owned devices and through school internet. Last month, Indiana's governor signed a law directing schools to limit cellphone use during the school day. That law received broad bipartisan support.

Arizona Democrats: Want explanation from Tom Horne on withheld poverty funds

Reach the reporter at [email protected] .

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School – 2024

April 15, 2024

Some high school students dream of writing for a living, perhaps pursuing an English major in college, or even attending a creative writing MFA program later on. For other students, creative writing can be useful for school assignments, in English and other subjects, and also for preparing their Common App essays . In a less goal-oriented sense, daily freewriting in a journal can be a healthy life practice for many high schoolers. Not sure where to start? Continue reading for 100 creative writing prompts for middle school and high school students. These middle/high school writing prompts offer inspiration for getting started with writing in a number of genres and styles.

Click here to view the 35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing .

What are Creative Writing Prompts?

Similar to how an academic essay prompt provides a jumping-off point for forming and organizing an argument, creative writing prompts are points of initiation for writing a story, poem, or creative essay. Prompts can be useful for writers of all ages, helping many to get past writer’s block and just start (often one of the most difficult parts of a writing process).

Writing prompts come in a variety of forms. Sometimes they are phrases used to begin sentences. Other times they are questions, more like academic essay prompts Writing prompts can also involve objects such as photographs, or activities such as walking. Below, you will find high school writing prompts that use memories, objects, senses (smell/taste/touch), abstract ideas , and even songs as jumping-off points for creative writing. These prompts can be used to write in a variety of forms, from short stories to creative essays, to poems.

How to use Creative Writing Prompts

Before we get started with the list, are a few tips when using creative writing prompts:

Experiment with different formats : Prose is great, but there’s no need to limit yourself to full sentences, at least at first. A piece of creative writing can begin with a poem, or a dialogue, or even a list. You can always bring it back to prose later if needed.

Interpret the prompt broadly : The point of a creative writing prompt is not to answer it “correctly” or “precisely.” You might begin with the prompt, but then your ideas could take you in a completely different direction. The words in the prompt also don’t need to open your poem or essay, but could appear somewhere in the middle.

Switch up/pile up the prompts : Try using two or three prompts and combine them, or weave between them. Perhaps choose a main prompt, and a different “sub-prompt.” For example, your main prompt might be “write about being in transit from one place to another,” and within that prompt, you might use the prompt to “describe a physical sensation,” and/or one the dialogue prompts.  This could be a fun way to find complexity as you write.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Students (Continued)

Write first, edit later : While you’re first getting started with a prompt, leave the typos and bad grammar. Obsessing over details can take away from your flow of thoughts. You will inevitably make many fixes when you go back through to edit.

Write consistently : It often becomes easier to write when it’s a practice , rather than a once-in-a-while kind of activity. For some, it’s useful to write daily. Others find time to write every few days, or every weekend. Sometimes, a word-count goal can help (100 words a day, 2,000 words a month, etc.). If you set a goal, make sure it’s realistic. Start small and build from there, rather than starting with an unachievable goal and quickly giving up.

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Teens

Here are some prompts for getting started with your creative writing. These are organized by method, rather than genre, so they can inspire writing in a variety of forms. Pick and choose the ones that work best for you, and enjoy!

Prompts using memories

• Begin each sentence or group of sentences with the phrase, “I remember…”
• Describe a family ritual.
• Choose an event in your life, and write about it from the perspective of someone else who was there.
• Pick a pathway you take on a regular basis (to school, or to a friend’s house). Describe five landmarks that you remember from this pathway.
• Write about your house or apartment using a memory from each room.
• Write an imaginary history of the previous people who lived in your house or apartment.
• Write about an ancestor based on stories you’ve heard from relatives.
• What’s your earliest memory?
• Who was your first friend?
• Write a letter to someone you haven’t seen since childhood.
• Write about yourself now from the perspective of yourself twenty, or eighty, years from now.
• Write about the best month of the year.
• Write about the worst day of the year.
• Rant about something that has always annoyed you.
• Write about the hottest or coldest day you can remember.
• Visualize a fleeting moment in your life and as though it’s a photograph, and time yourself 5 minutes to write every detail you can remember about the scene.
• Draw out a timeline of your life so far. Then choose three years to write about, as though you were writing for a history book.
• Write about a historical event in the first person, as though you remember it.
• Write about a memory of being in transit from one place to another.

Objects and photographs as creative writing prompts

• Describe the first object you see in the room. What importance does it have in your life? What memories do you have with this object? What might it symbolize?
• Pick up an object, and spend some time holding it/examining it. Write about how it looks, feels, and smells. Write about the material that it’s made from.
• Choose a favorite family photograph. What could someone know just by looking at the photograph? What’s secretly happening in the photograph?
• Choose a photograph and tell the story of this photograph from the perspective of someone or something in it.
• Write about a color by describing three objects that are that color.
• Tell the story of a piece of trash.
• Tell the story of a pair of shoes.
• Tell the story of your oldest piece of clothing.

Senses and observations as creative writing prompts

• Describe a sound you hear in the room or outside. Choose the first sound you notice. What are its qualities? It’s rhythms? What other sounds does it remind you of?
• Describe a physical sensation you feel right now, in as much detail as possible.
• Listen to a conversation and write down a phrase that you hear someone say. Start a free-write with this phrase.
• Write about a food by describing its qualities, but don’t say what it is.
• Describe a flavor (salty, sweet, bitter, etc.) to someone who has never tasted it before.
• Narrate your day through tastes you tasted.
• Narrate your day through sounds you heard.
• Narrate your day through physical sensations you felt.
• Describe in detail the physical process of doing an action you consider simple or mundane, like walking or lying down or chopping vegetables.
• Write about the sensation of doing an action you consider physically demanding or tiring, like running or lifting heavy boxes.
• Describe something that gives you goosebumps.
• Write a story that involves drinking a cold glass of water on a hot day.
• Write a story that involves entering a warm house from a cold snowy day.
• Describe someone’s facial features in as much detail as possible.

Songs, books, and other art

• Choose a song quote, write it down, and free-write from there.
• Choose a song, and write a story in which that song is playing in the car.
• Choose a song, and write to the rhythm of that song.
• Choose a character from a book, and describe an event in your life from the perspective of that character.
• Go to a library and write down 10 book titles that catch your eye. Free-write for 5 minutes beginning with each one.
• Go to a library and open to random book pages, and write down 5 sentences that catch your attention. Use those sentences as prompts and free-write for 5-minutes with each.
• Choose a piece of abstract artwork. Jot down 10 words that come to mind from the painting or drawing, and free-write for 2 minutes based on each word.
• Find a picture of a dramatic Renaissance painting online. Tell a story about what’s going on in the painting that has nothing to do with what the artist intended.
• Write about your day in five acts, like a Shakespearean play. If your day were a play, what would be the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution?
• Narrate a complicated book or film plot using only short sentences.
• Read a short poem. Then write a poem that could be a “sister” or “cousin” of that poem.

Abstract ideas as creative writing prompts

• Write about an experience that demonstrates an abstract idea, such as “love” or “home” or “freedom” or “loss” without ever using the word itself.
• Write a list of ways to say “hello” without actually saying “hello.”
• Write a list of ways to say “I love you” without actually saying “I love you.”
• Do you believe in ghosts? Describe a ghost.
• Invent a mode of time travel.
• Glass half-full/half-empty: Write about an event or situation with a positive outlook. Then write about it with a miserable outlook.
• Free-write beginning with “my religion is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with organized religion as you’d like).
• Free-write beginning with “my gender is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with common ideas of gender as you’d like).
• Write about a person or character that is “good” and one that is “evil.” Then write about the “evil” in the good character and the “good” in the evil character.
• Write like you’re telling a secret.
• Describe a moment of beauty you witnessed. What makes something beautiful?

Prompts for playing with narrative and character

• Begin writing with the phrase, “It all started when…”
• Tell a story from the middle of the most dramatic part.
• Write a story that begins with the ending.
• Begin a story but give it 5 possible endings.
• Write a list of ways to dramatically quit a terrible job.
• Write about a character breaking a social rule or ritual (i.e., walking backwards, sitting on the floor of a restaurant, wearing a ballgown to the grocery store). What are the ramifications?
• You are sent to the principal’s office. Justify your bad behavior.
• Re-write a well-known fairytale but set it in your school.
• Write your own version of the TV show trope where someone gets stuck in an elevator with a stranger, or a secret love interest, or a nemesis.
• Imagine a day where you said everything you were thinking, and write about it.
• Write about a scenario in which you have too much of a good thing.
• Write about a scenario in which money can buy happiness.
• Invent a bank or museum heist.
• Invent a superhero, including an origin story.
• Write using the form of the scientific method (question, hypothesis, test, analyze data conclusion).
• Write using the form of a recipe.

Middle School & High School Creative writing prompts for playing with fact vs. fiction

• Write something you know for sure is true, and then, “but maybe it isn’t.” Then explain why that thing may not be true.
• Write a statement and contradict that statement. Then do it again.
• Draft an email with an outlandish excuse as to why you didn’t do your homework or why you need an extension.
• Write about your morning routine, and make it sound extravagant/luxurious (even if it isn’t).
• You’ve just won an award for doing a very mundane and simple task. Write your acceptance speech.
• Write about a non-athletic event as though it were a sports game.
• Write about the most complicated way to complete a simple task.
• Write a brief history of your life, and exaggerate everything.
• Write about your day, but lie about some things.
• Tell the story of your birth.
• Choose a historical event and write an alternative outcome.
• Write about a day in the life of a famous person in history.
• Read an instructional manual, and change three instructions to include some kind of magical or otherwise impossible element.

Prompts for starting with dialogue

• Write a texting conversation between two friends who haven’t spoken in years.
• Write a texting conversation between two friends who speak every day and know each other better than anyone.
• Watch two people on the street having a conversation, and imagine the conversation they’re having. Write it down.
• Write an overheard conversation behind a closed door that you shouldn’t be listening to.
• Write a conversation between two characters arguing about contradicting memories of what happened.
• You have a difficult decision to make. Write a conversation about it with yourself.
• Write a conversation with a total lack of communication.
• Write a job interview gone badly.

Final Thoughts – Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School 

Hopefully you have found several of these creative writing prompts helpful. Remember that when writing creatively, especially on your own, you can mix, match, and change prompts. For more on writing for high school students, check out the following articles:

• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics
• 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
• Good Transition Words for Essays
• High School Success

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

Katy ISD's new policy forbidding personal devices sparks debate between parents

KATY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Katy Independent School District parent reached out to ABC13, saying people are "outraged" over a new technology policy headed to the district.

The parent told Eyewitness News that the new program prohibits students from using their personal devices, such as cell phones, in the classroom beginning next year.

A spokesperson from the district told ABC13 this is part of the Class 1:1 program made possible by a 2023 bond .

Every student in third through 12th grade will receive a Chromebook from the district in August.

Students will no longer be able to use their phone or tablet in class as a result.

Katy ISD says it's to make things more consistent when it comes to instruction, in addition to ensuring students who don't have a personal device are able to have the same technology as their peers.

The district's website said the policy on cell phone usage at school will change once the computers are issued, but no specifics were immediately provided.

Eyewitness News spoke to one parent who said she thinks this is a terrible idea because she likes being able to quickly communicate with her child in the event of something like a lockdown.

Another parent, Valentina Sepic, said she loves the new policy.

"I think the personal devices are a distraction," Sepic said. "They're in school to learn, so distractions should be removed."

Nidhi Kundalia said she's in favor of less technology in the classroom across the board.

"I appreciate what technology is doing, but I think kids need to concentrate on the traditional ways," she said.

Kundalia added that she didn't want technology to go away, just be used less frequently.

She also worries about the cost of maintaining the laptops once they're in the hands of students.

The final plan for the new policy isn't finalized, but Katy ISD said they'd keep Eyewitness News up-to-date once things become official.

For news updates, follow Chaz Miller on Facebook , X and Instagram .

Related Topics

• SCHOOL BOARD

Seven Lakes HS boys' soccer wins OT thriller to claim 2nd state title

Katy ISD votes against policy that would hire chaplains at schools

Ex-Katy ISD coach pleads guilty to improper relationship with student

Law draws criticism after students removed from school for vaping

Top stories.

Teen beaten with brass knuckles shoots alleged robbers, killing 1: HPD

• 2 hours ago

$170K bond set for man accused of illegal butt and Botox injections

• 32 minutes ago

Hearing set for TX lawsuit over Harris Co.'s guaranteed income program

• 6 minutes ago

Smoky haze lingers over Houston, but help is on the way Saturday night

Man walking dog finds dead body in southeast Houston park, police say

Forensic analyst improperly handled evidence in several cases: Docs

• 13 minutes ago

Patton Village residents fed up about tickets from years past

Former Humble ISD athletic director denies sexual harassment claims