Use of smart phones in class

---

You're right—smartphones can distract students with games and notifications, even when used for learning. While they have educational value, their misuse can hinder focus. It’s best to allow them only under supervision and for specific tasks to maintain a productive learning environment.

Hello!
What I believe is use of smart phones in junior classes won't be that much distracting, like students follow the instructions of teachers, guide them to open the required website/link, they will follow whatever instructed by teacher. For High school students, you need to be focused and have strong communication with them, give them time limit to read/explore, this will also be helpful, so that they won't go for browsing other stuff on smart phone.

@Ridafatima95 You are right to point out both the pros and cons of smartphone use in class.

Smartphones can be a valuable educational tool offering quick access to information, learning apps, and digital collaboration. However, as you mentioned, the distractions are a real issue. Social media, games, and constant notifications can easily pull students away from learning. Even students with good intentions may struggle to stay focused when their phones are buzzing.
In my opinion, smartphones should be allowed in class with clear rules and limits. Teachers can set specific times for phone use, like during research activities or interactive lessons, and require them to be put away during lectures or discussions. This way, students can benefit from the technology without it becoming a distraction.finding a balance is key its not about banning or embracing smartphones completely, but using them wisely and intentionally in the learning environment.

@Ridafatima95 as we are living in a digital age, we are required to use various resources to familiarize our students with 21st-century skills — one of which is the mobile phone.
In government schools across Pakistan, we often lack proper multimedia resources. As a result, teachers sometimes use their own mobile phones as a teaching aid. In my own teaching practice, I have found this to be a practical solution. However; I firmly believe that students should not be allowed to bring their personal mobile phones to school.
Instead, we should adopt a controlled approach: teachers can use their own phones during specific learning activities to introduce students to new tools and technologies. This prevents students from getting habitual or distracted by their personal devices. When students bring mobile phones from home, there is a high chance they will use them not just for learning, but also for playing games, sending messages, and accessing unrelated content — ultimately leading to distractions.
Since we currently lack proper digital resources in many government schools, I see no harm in utilizing teachers’ mobile phones during specific activities, provided it is done with clear focus and educational purpose.

@MARIY0b647d9a23 yes you are right we can allow them in the supervision and it would be helpful and useful for us

@Ridafatima95 said in Use of smart phones in class:

Should students be allowed to use smart phones in class??
Smartphones can easily divert students’ attention to games, social media, or messaging instead of the lesson.
Even when used for educational purposes, notifications can interrupt focus.
What do you think about it?

Dear Rida Aslam o Alaikum,
I think it's the environmental impact of societies on the students and specially home impact regarding use of mobile phones. I know we people living in rural areas of Pakistan where literacy rate is not high specially in girls. But making interesting things in terms of education is the basic need of students and only through this way these students can compete with the world.
So it's better that we must keep an on eye not only on our children who are also students of some school but should take a serious note and action if we are also a part of it.
I think it's very necessary that the tools may be provided to students which are helpful for communicating globally and can enhance their skills and knowledge.
Regards

@Ridafatima95You raise a valid concern. Smartphones can be both a powerful learning tool and a major distraction. In my view, the key lies in controlled and purposeful use. When integrated thoughtfully—for research, educational apps, or interactive activities—smartphones can enhance learning. But clear guidelines and boundaries are essential to prevent misuse and maintain focus. It’s all about balance and responsible use.

In my country Ghana, learners are not allow to use smartphones in the class, this policy end up to the tertiary where student are feel to do so. I personal agreed with this policy because as a tech Savvy like me, I understand the consequences of using smart phone in class especially High school, can bring i.e Irrelevant content, distraction in class etc.., I always agreed to the point that until learners are monitored and strict cyber security measures are putting in place in Ghana, learners should not be allowed to use smartphone in the class.

Yes, students should not be allowed to use their mobile phones frequently. Notifications distract and disturb. But some how we can not deny the importance of mobile phones.
These days, many programs are integrated in this smart device. Your mobile phone is a calculator, a watch, your assistant, and other resources that can be beneficial in the classroom.
Through mobile phone a student is connected with the world and can do research on a project instantly, download studies related material and watch videos.
Hence if the mobile phones are used on a given time with permission, then it is ok, if not then they create disturbance in the class.

@Ridafatima95 The use of smartphones in the classroom can have several drawbacks, including distractions, decreased attention span, and potential for cheating. Excessive smartphone use can also lead to social isolation, decreased face-to-face interaction, and blurred boundaries between personal and academic life. Additionally, it can negatively impact students' cognitive abilities, such as memory and critical thinking, and may also lead to cyberbullying or online safety concerns.