A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that teens are spending an average of 1.5 hours on their phones every school day, with a quarter of students using them for more than two hours. Social media and messaging apps account for nearly a quarter of kids’ school day, leading to concerns about distractions, learning loss, and potential need for stricter school rules.
The study’s main author, Lauren Hale, emphasized the lack of research on this topic, noting that previous studies have relied on anecdotes and self-reports. The new study, which tracked phone usage using an app on both Android and iOS devices, found a significant increase in phone usage during school hours.
While some students use their phones for research or schoolwork, the study found that entertainment and social media were easily accessible, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and messaging apps being popular choices. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that schools and families establish clear expectations and promote responsible phone use to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
Experts are concerned about the potential consequences of excessive phone use on academics and social development. While the study did not examine the risks or benefits of school-day phone use, there are worries that frequent scrolling could have long-term effects. Some states have already taken steps to limit phone availability in schools, citing concerns about distractions and mental health risks.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of considering both the quantity and quality of phone use among teens, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to technology in educational settings.
Different genders. The current challenge is to strike the right balance – both within the classroom and outside of it – in order to foster a healthy learning environment, she explained. “School hours are valuable, and our aim is to minimize distractions and prevent missed opportunities for learning from teachers, interacting with peers, having lunch, and engaging in outdoor activities,” stated Hale. “These are the activities that children should be focusing on in school, rather than being glued to their phones, in my view.” Dr. Sapana R. Gupta, a resident physician at the Brown University Internal Medicine Program and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit, highlighted that a new study revealed that teenagers spend more than 1 hour on their phones during school hours. This article was originally featured on goodmorningamerica.com.
