📩 29/09/2023 14:37
Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Specialist Clinical Psychologist Dr. Gökçe Vogt made a statement on the subject, saying that whether or not to ban the use of mobile phones at school is an issue that can have both advantages and disadvantages.
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin had announced some time before schools opened that students would hand over their mobile phones before entering the classroom, and teachers would not enter the classroom with their phones in order to avoid setting a bad example.
Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Specialist Clinical Psychologist Dr. noted that allowing students to use phones in the classroom is a reassuring situation for many parents, as they know that they can easily reach their children in an emergency. Gökçe Vogt also stated that the anxiety of some students about not being able to communicate with their families in an emergency situation can lead to negative emotional reactions.
"Necessary to focus on lessons"
Dr. Gökçe Vogt continued her words as follows:
“However, on the other hand, the use of mobile phones in the classroom is limited because it is aimed for students to focus more on lessons and have a more efficient learning experience. Using mobile phones in the classroom has negative effects on students' attention, learning skills and social communication. Studies show that the use of mobile phones in the classroom distracts students and negatively affects their course performance. A student who brings his mobile phone to class may not be prevented by the teacher from playing games or texting during class. This situation can lead to both the student being distracted from the course material and the teacher not being able to control the class properly.”
"Mobile phones can also be used to cheat in exams"
“Additionally, students may use their mobile phones to cheat on exams, which could jeopardize the integrity of the education system.” said Dr. Vogt said that students who spend time on their mobile phones during breaks may have less interaction with their classmates, which may lead to them being socially isolated.
"When mobile phones disappear, academic success increases"
Dr. also stated that restricting the use of mobile phones in the classroom will lead students to increase their interactions with each other. Gökçe Vogt explained the following:
“Restricting the use of mobile phones at school can also have positive effects on the emotional health of students. Increasing face-to-face communication between students can lead to the development of social skills and strengthening of interpersonal relationships. Additionally, when the mobile phone is eliminated as a distraction, their success in classes increases as they can focus more on lessons, which can increase their self-confidence. Finally, restricting the use of mobile phones in the classroom may also lead to a reduced risk of technology addiction.”
“Students should be offered alternative communication methods for emergencies.”
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Gökçe Vogt noted that banning or limiting the use of mobile phones at school will have positive effects on the emotional health of adolescents, but stated that schools should offer students alternative communication methods for emergencies.
"Use at home may increase"
Dr. underlines that restricting the use of mobile phones in schools may increase the likelihood that students will use more mobile phones at home. Vogt said, “However, this does not mean that mobile phone use at home should increase. Directing students to activities related to their interests in their spare time, ensuring healthy communication within the family, and setting rules and limits regarding mobile phone use by parents can enable students to both focus on their education and spend their free time in a healthy way.” said.
Dr. also noted that before planning these rules and limitations, each parent should first consider their own behavior. Vogt said, “You can set an example for your children by limiting your own phone use. Strategies such as explaining to your child the reason for these rules and restrictions, restricting mobile phone use before bedtime and during activities that require focus, and adjusting screen time will make your job easier. Of course, every family is different and it is necessary to develop strategies suitable for family dynamics.” he said.