15 Pros and Cons of Cell Phones in School (FAQs, Updated)

Do you want to know the pros and cons of having cell phones in school? Then this is the right article for you.

Cell phones have always been a source of contention, coupled with their impact on our daily lives, schools, and workplaces.

However, since the invention of cell phones, critics have always argued about the various effects, as there are both positive and negative effects.

This article mentions and explains the pros and cons of having cell phones in school. It also explains some of the functions of cell phones.

Pros and Cons of Cell phones in School

What is a Cell phone?

A cellphone (also called handphone, cellular phone, telephone, mobile phone, cell, or handset) is a portable handheld device that enables users to communicate in different ways and with other people.

Cellphones have significantly evolved. It was originally analog, but now it is digital. The only thing a cellphone could do in the past was allow individuals to make calls.

Still, now it has evolved to enable users to make calls, text messages, email, access the Internet, play video games, take pictures, use Bluetooth, read novels, etc.

Some schools have refused to allow students to bring cell phones to class. Although most universities allow it, some high, primary, and secondary schools do not.

One of the negative critics’ arguments for cell phones is that it distracts students.

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Functions of Cell phones

  • Making and receiving calls
  • Texting messages
  • Downloading or playing audio or music
  • Taking pictures
  • Reading novels or manga
  • Sending or receiving emails
  • Browsing the Internet
  • Finding locations through GPS and so on.

Should Children bring their Cell phones to school?

Having cell phones at school is a great way for kids to learn and practice skills that will help them strike a healthy balance between their online and offline lives.

Children who bring their cell phones to school can benefit in many ways.

In most modern classrooms, students are permitted to have cell phones but are expected to silence them during instruction.

Pros of Cellphones in School

1. Record voice notes or videos of lectures: 

The function of a cellphone that enables users to record voice notes or videos is handy for students.

They can use the videos or voice notes of previous lectures recorded to revise or learn about a class later.

Videos or voice directives might enable or allow students to hear some important information or instruction previously missed.

2. Pinpoint the location of students:

Because most modern cellphones have GPS transmitters(able to detail the phone’s location), parents, relatives, or schools can keep track of students or find missing and absent students.

Although some cellphones might have this function as an application, it is extremely vital. This will restrain students from missing classes or lectures.

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3. Grant access to more information:

One of the functions of cell phones is the ability to browse and access the Internet. However, the Internet has information that encompasses many different details.

Students can use their cell phones to gain and research information needed for projects, duties, tasks, or assignments. There are also various learning and educational apps that the students can use to dig for or research information.

4. Contact parents or relatives:

Students that carry cell phones can contact their parents in case of emergencies or needs.

Parents, relatives, or guardians can reach their children or wards when they need to get home, perform tasks or celebrate.

On the other hand, sick students with cell phones can inform their parents of their sickness and even request assistance by calling home.

Other Pros of Cell phones in school include the following:

  • Communicate tasks or assignments
  • Help in case of an emergency
  • Assist students in learning

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Cons of a Cell phone in School

1. Disrupt classes or lectures:

Classes or lectures can be silent (with only the teacher speaking) or interactive.

However, cell phones can interrupt and disrupt both types of classes. The cause of the disruption and interruption can be ringtone, vibrations, notifications, alerts, alarms, etc.

Students might also be using their cell phones during classes, which will disrupt the teacher’s attention, leading to the interruption of lectures.

2. Distract students:

Cellphones have the function of being able to connect and disconnect individuals from around the world. Students who carry cell phones split their attention between their education and cellphone devices.

This will lead to stress, difficulty in retaining information, and loss of interest in education.

At the same time, students can easily disconnect from the world because current phones and gadgets have multiple purposes.

3. Affect characters of students:

Cellphones can provide and grant access to harmful information or content. A student using a cell phone can see mature content, which can affect and change a student’s character.

Young students who are not mature can be easily deceived or misled by the information on cell phones.

Other Cons of Cell phones in school:

  • Create opportunities to cheat
  • Increase risk of theft
  • Raise safety concerns
  • Influence cellphone addiction

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Frequently Asked Questions on Pros and Cons of Cell phones in School:

What are the positives about phones?

Communication.
Small and Convenient.
Photos and Video.
Texting.
Fashion and Self-Expression.
Entertainment.

How do cell phones affect learning?

Compared to students who do not divide their focus between a learning task and their cell phones or Facebook, pupils who split their concentration do not perform as well.

Do mobile phones hinder learning?

The usage of a mobile phone while completing another task has been shown to hurt learning and task completion in several studies. Also, research reveals that computers may not be as effective at taking notes as pen and paper.

Should kids have phones?

A smartphone has become a rite of passage for many young people, helping them to keep up with their peers and develop stronger relationships with their parents because of the convenience it provides. Cell phones are useful in the event of an emergency and can even help find your youngster using the GPS function.

Conclusion:

Parents, teachers, students, the government, and schools have always debated the pros and cons of cell phones in school.

Some students nowadays looking for admission to schools might only apply to those schools that allow cell phones to be brought to campus.

However, this doesn’t seem right and beneficial as students might miss the chance to go to very good schools.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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ST Admin
ST Admin

Hello, I am ST Admin! For five years, I began actively assisting students in Europe, the United States, and Canada in their pursuit of college advice and scholarship prospects. I am the Administrator of www.schoolandtravel.com at present.

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