{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Cybertraps Podcast","title":"Should We Ban Cell Phones in Schools Cybertraps Live 90","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2582,"description":"Raising Cyberethical Kids: Audio Course and Ebook - News Item: In June 2021, UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson suggested banning mobile phones in schools - He argued that a ban would help students “remain calm” and overcome the effects of the pandemic - Some schools expressed opposition, saying individual schools and districts should establish their own policies without government mandate - Williamson seen as strong opponent of mobile phones in school, pointing to cyberbullying, sexting, and abuse of girls. - Officials acknowledged that an in-school ban would do little to prevent harm occurring outside of school - [Note: Williamson subsequently lost his position during a cabinet re-shuffle in September 2021] - Several countries have limits on in-school mobile use, including: - Afghanistan - Australia - China - France - Reframe the Discussion? - Educators should not view these devices as mere “phones” or communication tools - Instead, they should be recognized as powerful pocket computers and integrated into education accordingly - “A plan, not a ban” - Input from students and parents - Negative Effects of Phones - Full extent of potential problems still being analyzed - 2013 study - students not using cellphones: - wrote an average of 62 percent more in their notes - wrote more detailed notes - recalled more detailed information - scored one-and-a-half letter-grades higher on assessments - students with digital devices: - engage in more off-task behavior - have more concentration and focus issues - have a higher incidence of physical and mental health issues. - 2015 study - banning mobile phones led to an increase in test scores by an average of 6.4% - “This is equivalent to adding five days to the school year or an additional hour a week.” - Greater benefits (2x) for low-performing students - Similar results from studies in Spain and Norway - Excessive use can lead to multiple harms, including: - anxiety and depression - neglecting other activities -...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/-npbjlTwEpH5Ybi_ySNRhS-EfNqaI7Ep1svTppTGhLE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQxNTcyLzE2ODM5/MjY0NDktYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}