‘Put the phones away’: Online safety expert weighs in on cellphone use in schools

As the province looks for input on whether or not Albertans think cellphones should be allowed in the classroom, one expert says it’s time for kids to “put the phones away.”

The Alberta government launched a survey last week asking residents if they think they should be allowed. The questions cover a range of topics, including the potential impact they may have on academic achievement and bullying.

Paul Davis is a social media and online safety educator and believes technology has a place in the classroom as an educational tool, but through a computer and not a cellphone.

“The phone is a distraction,” he says. “How do you blame a child for not paying attention to a teacher when their phone is sitting right next to them?”

“It’s just human nature. Some corporations have removed phones from the corporate board room because it’s distracting the productivity.”

Davis’ stance when it comes to phones in schools is the same for all grades.

“Put the phone away,” he says.

He says schools that have implemented a policy banning phones in class tend to see an increase in grades and less bullying within the school.

Davis says he’s even heard stories of Calgary students as young as grade four who have used smart phones to text friends and meet in the school washroom to vape.

According to the survey site, some reasons advocating for cellphone use in schools include chatting about practice and rehearsal for school organizations, checking transit schedules, or staying in touch with families about issues or emergencies.

“Principals will say the same thing, ‘our phones at school work, if you need to reach a child we are happy to facilitate,'” says Davis.

The survey is available online on the government’s website until May 3.