Should Smartphones Be Banned During Class Time?

By Kim Dan-ha, Shinnam Middle School

Smartphones could be considered a revolutionary invention if teenagers used them properly. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency, 42.6 percent of teenagers were diagnosed as being at risk of smartphone overdependence. Isn’t it alarming? Because of this and more, I strongly argue that smartphones should be banned during class time.

First, teenagers need to keep smartphones at a distance during class. Imagine an eighth-grade student in a math lecture. His smartphone vibrates with an Instagram notification from one of his followers. Even if he does not check it, his brain switches from solving equations to wondering who messaged him. This can happen repeatedly, making it nearly impossible for students to focus on the class. If schools do not ban smartphones during class time, distractions are much more likely.

Second, there is a risk of online, high-tech cheating. These days, Al technology is widely available, and it can promote academic dishonesty. Suppose a student has a phone on the desk in a language class. The teacher gives 10 minutes to write a short essay and steps out of the classroom for a moment. The student might look at the phone and ask an AI system to write an essay. However, if phones are banned, this would not happen. Also, we cannot blame only the student because the environment allowed phone use.

Third, we have to protect the teacher’s work. When students have phones next to them, the teacher’s job becomes harder. Imagine you are explaining something you care about, but the students are not looking at you. They are looking at their laps, smiling and giggling. This can cause what could be called a “wall effect.” Teachers often use facial expressions to see whether students understand the lesson. When students are on their phones, the teacher can feel like they are talking to a wall. In addition, this lowers motivation. Teachers feel energized when students are engaged, but when students are not, teachers can experience burnout, which makes lessons less enjoyable for everyone.

It is true that smartphones have positive functions, such as dictionaries. However, such uses are not an argument for requiring phones during class. Schools can provide other devices for those purposes. In conclusion, banning smartphones in class is a practical boundary that will prioritize focus, participation, and fairness, and it is the most effective approach for students today.