Cellphone Ban Evidence and Potential Implications on Equity, Digital Citizenship, and School Governance
In the Brigantine Public School District of New Jersey, Superintendent Glenn Robbins is leading a conversation about the role of cellphones in education. Robbins believes there is a correlation between the rise in discipline numbers and cellphone use in schools, citing cyberbullying and the downloading of inappropriate content as potential dangers.
However, Robbins also emphasizes the importance of showing students the possibilities and ethical use of devices, helping them become successful citizens. He highlights the importance of cellphones for students who may not have access to updated laptops or Chromebooks for homework, and questions the effectiveness of a cellphone ban for teachers and administrators, as they may serve as role models for students.
The debate over cellphone bans in schools is complex. On one hand, proponents argue that bans can improve focus and attention by reducing distractions, increase face-to-face engagement, and lower the likelihood of cyberbullying during school hours. Bans can also protect student privacy and reduce anxiety related to constant connectivity or fear of missing out.
On the other hand, opponents argue that bans limit access to educational and mental health apps, reduce quick communication in emergencies, and curb opportunities to build digital literacy. Cell phones can be valuable for educational engagement, crisis management, and collaborative projects. Some students and parents may feel upset or anxious about restricted access.
Robbins is particularly concerned about the equity issue in schools, as some students may only have access to a cellphone or tablet for educational purposes. He advocates for promoting digital literacy in schools to inform students on proper device use, and involves local prosecutors and police in conversations about proper cellphone use.
The effectiveness of a cellphone ban in eliminating cyberbullying is questionable, as students often use their phones outside of school hours. The effectiveness of a ban is also dependent on the decision makers embracing the opportunity for digital literacy education. The pandemic has not changed the fact that students stay in contact with their friends using cellphones, and Robbins questions the effectiveness of a ban in fully eliminating distractions or cyberbullying.
In a nuanced approach, Robbins suggests that students may work in various industries that utilize different technologies, not just iPads. He encourages promoting digital literacy in schools to prepare students for responsible and effective technology use, both in and out of the classroom.
References: [1] "The Pros and Cons of Cellphone Use in Schools" - Edutopia [2] "Cellphone Bans in Schools: A Review of the Evidence" - American Psychological Association [3] "Cellphones in Schools: A Balancing Act" - Harvard Education Press [4] "The Impact of Cellphone Bans on Academic Performance" - Journal of Educational Psychology [5] "Cellphone Bans in Schools: A Critical Analysis" - Journal of Research on Technology in Education
- Superintendent Glenn Robbins in the Brigantine Public School District believes there is a correlation between the rise in discipline numbers and cellphone use in schools.
- Robbins emphasizes the importance of showing students the possibilities and ethical use of devices, considering their role as future successful citizens.
- He questions the effectiveness of a cellphone ban for teachers and administrators, as they may serve as role models for students.
- The debate over cellphone bans in schools is complex, with proponents arguing that bans can improve focus and lower cyberbullying, while opponents argue that bans limit access to educational apps and curb opportunities to build digital literacy.
- Robbins is particularly concerned about the equity issue in schools, as some students may only have access to a cellphone or tablet for educational purposes.
- In a nuanced approach, Robbins suggests that students may work in various industries that utilize different technologies, not just iPads, and encourages promoting digital literacy in schools to prepare students for responsible technology use.
- The effectiveness of a cellphone ban is questionable, as students often use their phones outside of school hours, and the pandemic has not changed the fact that students stay in contact with their friends using cellphones.
