Impact of Mobile Phone Use on Student Focus in Schools
Students still on phones in school, focus taking a hit
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
Despite bans on mobile phones in schools, many students in New Delhi continue to use them, affecting their focus and academic performance. Experts warn that frequent phone checking disrupts attention and creates psychological dependence, necessitating a balanced approach to phone use management in educational settings.
- 01Students are using phones despite school bans, impacting their focus.
- 02Frequent phone checking disrupts attention and learning retention.
- 03Experts suggest psychological dependence on phones is a growing concern.
- 04Schools face challenges in enforcing phone bans effectively.
- 05A balanced approach to phone use management is recommended for better outcomes.
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In New Delhi, schools have implemented bans on mobile phones, yet many students continue to use them throughout the day, which experts warn is negatively impacting their ability to focus and learn. Dr. Nand Kumar, a psychiatrist at AIIMS, explains that the psychological difficulty of disconnecting from phones contributes to this behavior, as they provide a sense of constant connectivity and reduce anxiety. Teachers report that enforcement of phone bans is inconsistent, with students often accessing their devices discreetly during classes or breaks. This behavior leads to fragmented attention and mental fatigue, as the brain struggles to refocus after interruptions. The behavioral addiction clinic at AIIMS is witnessing an increase in cases related to problematic phone use among youth, with nearly 100 cases reported monthly. Experts emphasize that frequent checking of phones may be more detrimental than the total screen time itself, conditioning the brain to seek constant stimulation and diminishing attention spans. A recent international study corroborates these findings, linking phone use in schools to poorer focus. Experts argue that simply banning phones is insufficient; instead, students should be taught to manage their phone usage effectively, suggesting a balanced approach that combines restrictions with behavioral guidance.
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The ongoing phone use among students may lead to declining academic performance and mental health issues, affecting their future opportunities.
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