Jon-Wayth

Jon-Wayth

Head of Secondary and Sixth Form

 

There is no doubt that both young people and adults are increasingly addicted to mobile phones. Many of us cannot remember the last time we went a whole day without looking at our phones. A study carried out by Ofcom in the UK highlighted this dependency: among the participants, 22% of adults and 47% of teenagers admitted to using their mobile phones in the bathroom. 81% admitted to never turning off their mobile phones, not even to sleep. We often talk about the social consequences of mobile phone use, but how does mobile phone use affect academic performance and the development of our children?

The impact of mobile phones on the cognitive capacity of students

We often talk about the social consequences of phone use, but it is essential to analyse in depth how mobile phone use affects academic performance. To do this, we review several key studies on mobile phone addiction and its cognitive effects.

Mobile phone and addiction

A study carried out in the USA in 2017 [i] showed that mobile phone addiction can have an impact on the brains of young people. The scientific team used MRI brain scans of young people to show the impact of technology addiction.

Playing a game on a tablet or mobile phone produces a release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, and their study shows that young people experience a ‘digital high’ and that, after playing, brain activity almost ceases as executive functioning is affected. Dopamine is also released when we check apps or social networks or when we receive a ‘like’. Incredibly, researchers claim that there are similarities in shape with the images obtained in the magnetic resonances of drug addicts. Changes in brain behaviour can also have an impact on mood and concentration, providing evidence of how mobile phones affect academic performance.

Studies have also shown that excessive use of mobile phones can cause anxiety and loneliness. Mobile phone dependency can lead to irritation, frustration and impatience. Using a brightly lit mobile phone before going to sleep delays the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone, affecting our sleep. It can also cause self-esteem problems and cyberbullying.

Mobile phones and studying

We often have a mobile phone within reach when we are working, which is a distraction. Imagine how annoying it can be for your children to be connected to social networks, and to have games, videos and music at their disposal when they are doing their homework. It only takes one notification to lose concentration. One study [ii] even showed that the mere presence of a mobile phone, even if it is not being used, is a distraction.

Dr Adrian Ward, a cognitive psychologist and associate professor of marketing at the University of Texas, conducted a joint study [iii] that demonstrated the impact of the mobile phone on studies depending on whether it is on the desk, in the backpack, or in another room. Again, it was shown that the mere presence of a smartphone in the study area can decrease the capacity for learning, logical reasoning, abstract thinking, problem solving and creative skills.

Ward and his collaborators carried out a test with 520 students to check their ability to concentrate on a single task and solve unusual problems. The participants in the study were divided into 3 groups: one group had their mobile phone within reach, another group kept it in their pocket or backpack, and the third group left it in another room.

Almost all the students said that the phone did not distract them, but the results did not corroborate this. The results of the students who had their phones on their desks were the lowest, followed by those who left their phones in their pockets or backpacks. The students who obtained the best results were those who left their phones in another room. Even on silent or with the phone face down, the presence of the mobile phone had a negative impact on student performance.

It has been shown that the presence of mobile phones at school has an adverse effect on student performance (at ELIS Murcia, students who are not in high school are only allowed to use their mobile phones on the way to or from school and not during the school day). In fact, we recommend that they not bring them to school at all. An extensive study conducted by the London School of Economics [iv] over several years revealed that banning mobile phones at school improved students’ grades, especially those of underachievers.

Conclusion

The study on how mobile phone use impacts on academic performance is clear: mobile phones affect students’ concentration and results, as well as their mood and general well-being (see the results of more studies conducted globally).

When pupils are studying or revising, they should leave their mobile phones in another room. Clear guidelines should also be given regarding free time spent on the phone and we should not forget that we are their role models. We have to be careful about the use of technology in front of our children. We should not insist on imposing rules on them and ignore the results of the study when it comes to ourselves. We have seen that mobile phones affect results and academic performance, however, we must recognise that when used in moderation, they can be an incredible research and revision tool, if certain specialised applications are used, and also for keeping in touch with friends and family. A healthy balance must be found, which is no easy task.

Advice for parents and students

  • Make sure your children take time out to rest from their mobile phones. Agree this with them. Set an example and make sure you do the same.
  • Don’t let your children have their mobile phones within reach while they are doing their homework or revising. Having the phone nearby can be tempting or a distraction. Agree on a place to leave the phone while they study and give your children permission to use it sometimes during the exam period. Your children also need time to rest. Continuous study is not productive.
  • Don’t let your children use their mobile phones before going to sleep. They should have some time to relax to help them switch off. Using their mobile phone for an hour or so before going to sleep can affect their sleep and prevent them from getting a good rest.
  • Never leave your phone in the room while you are sleeping. This also applies to adults. Your children should use an alarm clock and not rely on their mobile phone.
  • Don’t check notifications so often. Encourage your children to turn off notifications, as they are a distraction. Check notifications in the settings. A continuous stream of notifications only leads to even greater mobile phone use.

References

[i] https://www.wxyz.com/news/national/stunning-results-after-researchers-look-at-effects-of-cell-phones-on-kids-national?_amp=true A further similar study: Are Smartphones as Addictive as Drugs? • Trojan Family Magazine (usc.edu)

[ii] Thornton, B., Faires, A., Robbins, M., & Rollins, E. (2014). The mere presence of a cell phone may be distracting: Implications for attention and task performance. Social Psychology, 45(6), 479–488

[iii] Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity | Journal of the Association for Consumer Research: Vol 2, No 2 (uchicago.edu)

[iv] https://cep.lse.ac.uk/pubs/download/dp1350.pdf

 

More resources and studies