In today’s classrooms, smartphones, laptops, and tablets are just as common as notebooks and pencils, which causes a debate on their role in education.  

     According to the Miami-Dade County Student Code of Conduct, which includes Miami Senior High School, “Students in grades 9-12 may display and use wireless communication devices (i.e., texting, email, telephone etc.) during the school day, but may not use wireless communication devices during instructional time unless expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes.”  

      Students may use phones to access information and research topics. However, these same phones can buzz with notifications, attract them towards, social media, play games, be used to take pictures, play music, and distract them from what’s being taught in classrooms.  

How Students Use Phones in Class 

      For some students, phones are more than just a device to text your friends on. Junior Lisandra Gonzalez states, “I use my phone often depending on the class I am in, but when I do use my phone, I usually use it for research and to listen to music because I feel like it helps me focus a little more. If I have nothing to do, I will get on social media, text my friends or take pictures on my phone.” 

     Similarly, junior Marvin Guillen states, “I use my phone around 5-13 times in one class to research stuff, but sometimes I’ll also use my phone for entertainment purposes.” Sophomore Badlee Rios, states “I use my phone for work when I do not have a device like a computer.” 

Phones as a Distraction 

      Despite their usefulness, phones can easily divert attention away from learning. Junior Cristian Duarte states, “There was a time I didn’t hear the teacher explain an assignment because I was distracted scrolling on Tiktok.” Junior Leyla Delay adds, “Sometimes when I get on my phone, I just want to text people and then I get hungry and watch mukkbangs (videos of people eating food).”  

     These distractions can pose a problem. “I’ve once missed important information in class because a video on my For You Page popped up, so I got distracted and then I had to stay after class and ask what happened which made me go late to my other classes,” said Junior Johnathan Rivera.  

      Junior Danielle Lawson states, “I feel like my phone does distract me because once you use your phone ,that’s it. It’s continuous and you get easily distracted.” Notifications from social media, messages from friends, and the temptation to scroll during lessons can interrupt focus. 

Phones as a Learning Tool 

      On the other hand, some students argue that phone usage can enhance learning when used responsibly. Senior Anderson Garcia states, “My phone lets me learn a topic better, unlike using my phone in class to watch a show which causes a distraction.”  

    Senior Eric Perez states, “My phone makes me focus more because I use it to help with my school work.” Junior Melanie Mejia states, “My phone is useful for quick research but it’s also very distracting due to mindless media.”  

Teacher Perspectives 

     Teachers at Miami Senior High face the daily challenge of keeping students’ attention while adapting to modern technology. Junior English and AP English Language teacher Ms. Evran states, “Phones distract students, which causes them to not pay attention at all, because they are texting and all kinds of stuff.”  

     When asked if banning phones would be effective, Ms. Evan states, “Banning phones could definitely be effective, but I do not know if it is realistic. At my daughter’s school, phones are completely banned, and I believe it does help, but you must have support from the administration.” 

       Freshman English teacher Ms. Perez states, “Students heavily rely on the constant need to stay connected while ignoring their surroundings. It has been difficult to find a way to incorporate phones as students have limited to no self-control when it comes to staying on task.”         

       Ms. Perez believes that one of the main challenges phones create is that “Students need to constantly be entertained so it does not allow them to disconnect and focus on the task at hand.” When asked about phone bans, she said, “Banning phones can be effective; however, I feel it will not be realistic due to different things like safety.”