Nov. 12, 2025
Cellphones have become ubiquitous in modern life, but their constant presence in classrooms is raising concerns. While they serve as valuable tools for communication and research, their overuse can undermine comprehension, focus and overall academic performance.
The problem begins with distraction. Messages, notifications and social media apps pull students’ attention away from classroom lessons, making it harder to keep up with the material being presented.
ILLUSTRATED BY MARIAH ALLEN
Even when phones are silent, simply seeing a notification can shift students’ attention away from the classroom and to the digital world. For younger students, especially, this freedom often leads to disconnection from the material being taught.
The effects of distraction can be severe. Students who check their phones during lessons are likely to fall behind on assignments or misunderstand key facts, according to the National Library of Medicine. Over time, this habit encourages procrastination and reduces productivity, making it more difficult to retain knowledge and prepare for tests.
Despite these drawbacks, phones are not entirely harmful. They can be useful for academic purposes when school-issued devices restrict access to certain resources.
In some cases, phones can even be vital, as they are used to take photos for certain assignments, communicate with teachers and classmates through the Band App and check the social media accounts of LHS’ clubs and sports.
For many students, having a phone nearby provides comfort, even if it remains unused during class. In emergencies or uncertain situations, quick communication with family members can ease anxiety and provide reassurance.
Even when phones are silent, simply seeing a notification can shift students’ attention away from the classroom and to the digital world.
However, overreliance on phones weakens confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With easy access to artificial intelligence tools and apps, students may depend on technology to think for them. This constant reliance erodes creativity and the ability to work through challenges independently, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Policies and procedures regarding the storage of phones in classroom caddies or racks can help reduce distractions without eliminating access.
Phones are neither fully good nor entirely bad. Their effects reflect how they are used. When managed responsibly, they can encourage learning and safety. When misused, they can inhibit concentration and productivity. Schools must find a middle ground that allows students to stay connected without losing sight of what matters most: their education.
