This is a regularly contested topic, and one that usually makes the news whenever there is a proposal to ban mobile phones in schools. Most children now own a smartphone and use it as a staple of their lives, whether for good or bad. They have great potential to be useful learning devices, but at the same time can hinder progress during lessons. Here is a list of pros and cons of allowing smartphones to be used in schools, and opportunities to eliminate those risks.
Pros:
Pros:
- Provides opportunities for pupils to engage with technology in a productive way
- Prepares pupils for digital-focused careers
- Useful for teaching pupils about the dangers of the internet
- Can save schools money by not needing to maintain desktop technology
- Eliminates the need for schools to update physical textbooks
- With proper filtering, schools can block inappropriate sites
- Pupils are often distracted by games and social media
- Even when not being used, noise from calls and text messages are another cause of distraction
- Can be a cause of bullying if some pupils own more expensive devices
- Pupils can access inappropriate sites if using mobile data
- Excessive screen time can lead to mental and physical health problems
- Can hinder work-life balance if pupils use the same device for home and school.