Smartphone Ban in Schools: Impact on Students from Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds
The use of smartphones in schools has been a topic of debate for years. Some argue that smartphones are a distraction, while others believe they can be a valuable tool for learning. In recent years, several countries have banned the use of smartphones in schools. A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has found that these bans have had a significant impact on students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Decreased Doctor Visits
The study found that the number of doctor visits for psychological symptoms and diseases decreased among girls who were exposed to a smartphone ban from the start of their middle school years. This decrease was particularly significant for girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The study suggests that the ban may have helped to reduce stress and anxiety among these students.
Reduced Bullying
The study also found that the incidence of bullying decreased for both girls and boys who were exposed to a smartphone ban from the start of their middle school years. This decrease was again particularly significant for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The study suggests that the ban may have helped to create a more positive and supportive school environment for these students.
Improved Grades
The study found that girls who were exposed to a smartphone ban from the start of middle school made gains in GPA. Their likelihood of attending an academic high school track also increased. However, there was no significant impact on boys’ GPA and their average grades set by teachers, or even their probability of attending an academic high school track. The study suggests that the ban may have helped to improve academic outcomes for girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Largest Effect on the Poorest Kids
The study found that the health care take-up for psychological symptoms and diseases, GPA, teacher-awarded grades, and the probability of attending an academic high school track is larger for girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This suggests that the ban has had a particularly positive impact on these students.
The study’s findings suggest that smartphone bans in schools may have a positive impact on students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. These students may be more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and bullying, and they may be less likely to achieve academic success. A smartphone ban may help to create a more positive and supportive school environment for these students and help them to achieve their full potential.
It is important to note that the study was conducted in Norway, and the results may not be generalizable to other countries. However, the study’s findings provide some evidence that smartphone bans in schools may have a positive impact on students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
also read:How has Akron Public Schools smartphone ban impacted students’ learning and behavior?
Deepika 
Mehek