Cell Phones In Schools Argumentative Essay Sample

The uses of cell phones are endless, although they can be a helpful learning tool, they can also present a distraction. Schools have been debating for years whether they should be allowed in a school setting. With the temptation of notifications, games, and texts, it is easy for them to get lost in their screens. It seems inappropriate and unnecessary for students to have their phones in class when there is other technology available to them at a more controlled level.

Cell phones in schools are unnecessary because they form a distraction from what the students should be doing. Studies show that teens spend anywhere from 9 to 10 hours a day on their cell phones. (Source 1) Most of that time is spent on social media because on average, teens post about 4 times a week. They should be spending their time doing something productive and beneficial like studying for tests which they are unprepared for otherwise. “Cell phones are a distraction… you see an uprising in cheating.” (Source 1) If students were spending their free time after school studying then there would be no reason for them to cheat because they would know the material.  Also students tend to text in class more because their phone is at easy access to them. (Source 1) Students are choosing what they would rather do like talk to their friends in class, but if they did not have their phones then that distraction would be diminished.

Other than time management, cell phones take a toll on your physical and mental health. Over the years there has been a significant spike in teenage anxiety and depression. “The more time people spend on social media apps, the more likely they are to show symptoms of anxiety and depression.” (Source 3) Scrolling through social media forces us to compare ourselves to what we are seeing, this causes mental distress and is not benefiting confidence in any way. Along with teens “returning often to read what was being said about them.” (Source 1) This is causing students anxiety due to the constant feeling like they are being posted about or ridiculed. Besides emotional health, cell phones can also have an affect on your physical health. Digital eye strain is a side effect of extended use of digital devices like cell phones. This can cause symptoms like “dry eye, headaches, and blurry vision.” (Source 3) This can be avoided by spending less time on digital devices and by letting your eyes take breaks from technology for long periods at a time.

The heavy use of technology is affecting teens schedules and discipline both being key aspects of becoming an adult. While students have an average of 9 to 10 hours on their phones a day, and also need 8 to 10 hours of sleep, (Source 1) teens will not have enough time to take care of their responsibilities. Teens should be partaking in extracurricular activities and completing their homework, not just going to school and then getting on their phones. Although cell phones can allow for students to connect with each other. Not being enforced to communicate in person is causing students to lack social skills for when they get older. (Source 2) In order to grow past uncomfortable situations, you must work through them and get used to being uncomfortable, a teacher will not be there throughout your life to help you communicate with peers. With cell phones becoming more popular the market is becoming more saturated meaning “there is not as much demand for them as there was in previous years.” (Source 1) Around 95% of teens own a cell phone between the ages of 13-17, this is a developmental period in a teens life when they should be experiencing things without hours of distraction.

Cell phones are affecting teens in many more ways other than just causing a distraction. It is diverting their attention from the real world with real situations that they must face daily. Teens are not learning how to properly deal with experiences, but with the aid of technology. School is a place where teens are obtaining new knowledge in multiple different classes in many different ways, so much information is being taken in and there should not be any added distractions that can be deflected by rules not allowing cell phones to be in class.