In this ever-changing world, mobile phones have increasingly become a necessity. But more so an addiction especially among adults and children.
It’s an accepted fact, that students these days are sneakingly carrying their phones to school. With some testing the limits compared to others. In order to prevent such incidents, various European countries like United Kingdom, Norway, Netherlands, and France have recently initiated a ban on smartphones in schools.
As per the study of Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the frequent use of smartphones has largely affected the health & well-being of children and teenagers. As a result, many schools, parents and policymakers are increasingly expressing their concerns. “The increasing use of technology, particularly the growing smartphone usage, by children and adolescents has led to concerns about the effects on young people’s cognitive, physical, and socioemotional development…Screen time, and particularly the use of social media, has increased since the mid-2000s. At the same time, the mental health of teenagers has worsened and is today one of the leading causes of illness among adolescents.” As reported by the Norwegian study.
The Norwegian study further revealed, that just by the mere presence of the phone, it has can increase the urge among people. Especially among people who have the fear of missing out.
How has It Impacted the Students?
As per the data of the report, the ban on smartphones in Norway schools has impacted the students in many ways.
- It has reduced the number of psychological consultations to two-three visits. Especially among middle-School girls.
- With ban on smartphones, it has led to the reduction in bullying in schools.
- After the smartphones ban, the grades of students have relatively improved. As per the report, girls who entered the middle schools during the beginning of the ban had made significant gains in their GPA. Their presence in schools too have increased.
- And last, the probability of attending schools has increased among girls, who come from the low socioeconomic background.
