Banning mobile phones in schools: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The digital distraction of students and the problems of coexistence caused by the misuse of mobile phones in schools have led some countries and schools to ban them. This measure is examined: how it has been implemented, how it is assessed, how non-compliance is sanctioned and what the advantages and disadvantages are. METHOD. A systematic review of the literature on banning mobile phones in schools was carried out using Web of Science and Scopus. After filtering the results, we have worked with 20 articles that study the measure of banning mobile phones in schools from different approaches, highlighting its complexities. RESULTS. We show which measures have been adopted by schools and governments, their advantages and disadvantages, and the balance of the studies on these measures. The bans previously investigated are: bringing the mobile phone to school, its use in classes, all types of screens during breaks and its use in specific circumstances. Some advantages of the ban are: decreasing dependency, improving school results and decreasing distraction. Some disadvantages are that students cannot use it to solve their doubts and that schools must set very clear rules and enforce them rigorously. CONCLUSIONS. Despite the fact that teachers in schools see the ban as a necessity, there are many inconsistencies in the implementation of the rule, such as the fact that many pupils bring their mobile phones to school and use them, running the risk of being sanctioned. The debate on prohibition should be framed not in punitive terms, but in positive terms, working towards agreed standards as to what is correct moderate use, what is abusive use and what should be prohibited.