Phones should not be allowed in school because they interfere with learning, harm wellbeing, and create discipline and safety problems.

Distraction and lower grades

Phones draw students’ attention away from the teacher through notifications, games, and social media, making it harder to concentrate and follow lessons. Studies report that students who have or use phones in class take fewer notes and tend to perform worse on tests than those without access.

Cheating and academic dishonesty

Easy internet access during class or tests makes it simpler for students to look up answers or secretly share them with classmates. Phones also enable quick copy‑and‑paste plagiarism from online sources, which undermines academic integrity and fair assessment.

Cyberbullying and social pressure

When phones are allowed, students can send hurtful messages, spread rumors, or share embarrassing photos instantly, increasing cyberbullying at school. Constant exposure to social media at school also raises social pressure, affecting self‑esteem and making school life more stressful.

Mental health and sleep

Heavy phone and social media use is linked with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young people. Students who stay up late on their phones often come to school tired, which reduces attention, memory, and overall academic performance.

Social skills and school climate

Phones reduce face‑to‑face interaction, so students may talk less with classmates and teachers, limiting practice of communication and relationship skills. This can weaken school culture by making students more isolated and less engaged in class activities and community life.

Safety, conflict, and other issues

During emergencies, students trying to call or text parents can ignore instructions, making it harder for staff to manage the situation safely. Phones can also be stolen, lost, or damaged, leading to arguments and conflicts, and they may expose students to online predators or harmful content while at school.