The Impacts of Mobile Phones on Students in a Learning Environment

  • Distraction from Learning: Phones can be a major distraction, tempting students to check messages, social media, or play games during class and breaks, which can shift their focus away from learning. Mobile phones can foster behavioural dependencies, such as compulsive checking, that can mimic addiction-like symptoms. This dependency can influence how students allocate their time and attention, ultimately interfering with their ability to focus and engage fully in classroom activities and their learning.
  • Academic Impact: Regular phone use in class can hinder students’ academic performance. By splitting their attention, students may miss important details, participate less, and produce lower-quality work.
  • Impaired Memory and Cognitive Load
    Studies show that frequent smartphone use may impair memory and cognitive function, as students rely more on digital tools for information retrieval rather than active recall. This can impact their capacity to retain information long-term and reduce their cognitive endurance.
  • Reduced Academic Integrity

With smartphones readily available, academic dishonesty, including cheating during exams or assignments, has become more accessible. Studies highlight that students are more tempted to engage in dishonest practices when phones are allowed in classrooms, undermining academic integrity and the learning process. Admittedly a computer can be used for the same reasons, but as a College we have employed suitable software to filter and block particular sites and content.

  • Impeded Emotional Development and Empathy

Mobile phone use, especially when combined with social media, has been linked to lower levels of empathy and emotional development. Instead of learning to interpret social cues and emotions in face-to-face interactions, students may become accustomed to digital communication, which can stunt social and emotional learning during formative years.

  • Cyberbullying and Harassment: Having phones at school can increase the risk of cyberbullying. Students may receive hurtful messages or have images or videos shared without their consent. We also encourage parents to be aware of the content stored and accessed on their child’s phone, as this can remain a concern outside school hours.
  • Access to Inappropriate Content: Despite filters, some students may access inappropriate or explicit material on their phones, which can be distressing for both them and the broader school community.
  • Social Isolation: Paradoxically, excessive phone use can lead to social withdrawal. Students might opt to spend their breaks on their phones instead of interacting with classmates.
  • Privacy Issues: Phones can easily be used to take photos or videos of others without permission, raising privacy concerns.
  • Physical Health Concerns: Excessive screen time can cause physical strain, such as eye discomfort, headaches, and posture problems.
  • Reduced Physical Activity: When students are focused on their phones, they may be less inclined to engage in physical activities during breaks.
  • Sleep Disruption: Late-night phone use can disrupt sleep, resulting in fatigue and lower focus during the school day. Although some students use phones as alarms, we recommend setting a specific time to hand in phones at night.
  • Higher Anxiety and Stress
    Many students experience “phone separation anxiety,” which is identified as the fear of being without their phone. Research has shown that this anxiety can create additional stress and lead to poor concentration and decreased performance. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is also a significant stressor, exacerbated by the constant connectivity and notifications associated with smartphones. A further challenge for parents to consider at home, but a solid reason for phones being handed in and the limiting of screen time for our young people.

Addressing these concerns can create a better learning environment, and this involves clear expectations and policies, digital literacy education, and open discussions among parents, educators, and students. By working together, we can help students find a healthy balance between the advantages of technology and its potential drawbacks.

Our College recognizes the effects that mobile phones, social media, and games have on young people. We are committed to collaborating with families to support our students as we introduce a new mobile phone policy in 2025 and beyond.

Clonard College Leadership Team and Staff