Almost every student brings a phone to class these days. Some teachers want to ban them completely, saying phones are a big distraction. And yes, sometimes they are. But before we say, “no phones allowed,” we should think twice. Phones aren’t just for texting; they can also be useful tools for learning.
It’s true that phones can be a problem. Scrolling through TikTok or texting during class takes our attention away from what we should be doing. It’s easy to get distracted, and that can hurt our grades. Some students even use phones to cheat on tests. These are real issues, and they need to be taken seriously.
Here’s the other side: phones can also help students.
Banning phones completely doesn’t fix everything. Sometimes we need our phones in class for things like using a calculator, checking due dates or looking up quick facts. Many college apps, like Canvas, email and group chats, help us stay on track with assignments. Some students even use phones to record lectures or take pictures of notes (with permission).
Also, not every student has a laptop or tablet. For some, a phone is their main way to get online. Taking that away could make learning harder, not easier.
Let’s not forget emergencies. Phones help parents stay in touch with students, especially if they travel. Being reachable during class can be important and gives parents peace of mind.
Personally, I have always used phones in classrooms but not for bad reasons. Sometimes, I just use it because my laptop is not there and to do some quick research according to the topic of the day. At the same time, phones are my major distraction in class. You might be searching with your phone and missing the explanation given by the instructor, going through messages and scrolling on social media.
Instead of banning phones, maybe teachers should set clear rules. For example, phones should stay silent during lectures but can be used for classwork or research. That way, students stay focused but still have access to helpful tools.
In the real world, we use technology every day. Learning how to manage distractions and use phones for good is part of becoming a responsible adult. Banning phones might seem like an easy fix, but teaching smart use is better in the long run.
Phones are a part of our daily lives now. Instead of fighting that, schools should teach us how to use them the right way. The goal should be smarter phone use, not no phone use at all.