Twelve months ago, New Zealand introduced a ban on mobile phones for students at state schools with the country’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stating that it was time to cut the distractions so kids could learn and achieve.
The ban included break and school hours with a handful of medical exceptions being permitted.
The ban has also been adopted and trailed by other schools in nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia and France with the general view that the devices act as a distraction for the students.
The findings a year on
Some students in New Zealand found the ban helpful for concentration and social interaction, while others have expressed concerns about stress and unfairness, as well as inconsistent enforcement.
A year after the ban, studies show mixed results with no significant academic improvement, with students reporting stress and perceived unfairness, noting inconsistent enforcement and a lack of consultation before the ban.
Many students didn’t understand the purpose of the ban, especially since they still have to use laptops and other technology in class and based on the responses many of the affected students felt that learning and teaching how to use phones in healthy ways would be more helpful than banning them altogether.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
