'A bit dramatic'- Irish students voice opinion on phone bans across schools

Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee has announced a ban on the use of and access to mobile phones in schools, backed with €9 million funding.

At the same time, a new study by Dublin City University was released titled: 'Smartphone bans have little or no impact on education, online bullying and wellbeing among students'.

Under the new guidance by McEntee, primary schools are required to implement a policy to ban the use of and access to mobile phones during the school day.

Also, post-primary schools must implement a policy to restrict mobile phone use during the school day, supported by practical funding for implementation.

The guidance, according to gov.ie, is designed to enhance student wellbeing, reduce risks such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content, promote more focused school environments, with greater peer interaction and socialisation.

McEntee said: “First and foremost, this policy is about ensuring that our schools are phone-free learning environments. Students should not be on their phones during the school day; this guidance and support will ensure all schools have the supports they need to achieve this, having regard to their own requirements.

“While phones should not be used in our schools, we must also recognise that technology is part of our children’s lives, so it is vital that students have access to appropriate online safety information and resources. My department continues to invest in developing digital literacy of our children and young people, while supporting schools to reduce the potentially negative consequences for them of the online world.”

In the DCU study, Irish students have shared their voice on the matter.

Most of the students stated that a benefit of having a smartphone is the independence and safety it provides, with one student explaining: “You…have more freedom. You can go out and your parents don’t have to worry too much about where you are. You can let them know.”

Another student argued that: “We’re not building the self-control, the self-discipline. We have to learn to live with our phones…but [also] be able to not go on them [at times]. It’s developing a skill.”

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One student said they think the ban "is a bit dramatic" and thinks "we probably need more adaptable phone policies within school. If phones were banned from schools…it would mean that teenagers wouldn’t be on the phones as often, but that means when they got to adulthood, [no one] would have all the literacy skills that they would need [to know about phones].”

The students reported that they had seen teachers in class using their smartphones and on social media apps.

“They get a call during the class…sometimes you see them in the hall on their phones…and outside when they are supposed to be supervising, on their phone, like walking up and down.”

“Even the teachers, they’re highly reliant on their own phone. I think…they seem to be more reliant because you’ll see them, they’re constantly checking [and] replying to stuff. It’s constantly buzzing in the classes…so, I think, even if they had the same rule in place…if we have to put our phones away, they should have to do it too.”

The report concludes with the fact that students feel that the teachers do not trust them, and they are being punished for a small minority who broke the rules on phone use and the feedback of the ban on phones in school is that it makes problems worse.

Some students felt that bans have not improved their mental health, as it has caused some isolation and anxiety for students in the schools.

Implementation mechanisms will be decided by each school, with flexibility to choose what works best, and funding available for schools’ preferred option.

Examples already in use include:

• Secure portable mobile phone storage pouches or lock boxes on lockers
• Phones kept in lockers
• Classroom lockable boxes or cubbies
• Drop-off and collection at the school office