A recent study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has shed light on the impact of smartphone bans in schools on students’ well-being and academic performance. The study, titled ‘Smartphone bans, student outcomes, and mental health’, revealed some interesting findings that have caught the attention of educators, parents, and policymakers alike.
According to the study, the ban on smartphones in schools has led to a significant decrease in doctor visits among girls. The number of consultations for psychological symptoms and diseases at specialist care has reduced by about two to three visits during middle school years among girls. Additionally, girls have fewer consultations with their GP due to issues related to psychological symptoms.
Furthermore, the study showed that banning smartphones in schools has also resulted in a reduction in bullying for both girls and boys. When students are exposed to a ban from the start of their middle school years, the incidence of bullying decreases significantly.
Moreover, the report highlighted that after the implementation of the smartphone ban, girls who were exposed to it from the beginning of middle school showed improvements in their GPA. Their likelihood of attending an academic high school track also increased. However, the ban did not have a significant impact on boys’ GPA or their probability of attending an academic high school track.
Interestingly, the study found that the largest effect of the smartphone ban was observed among students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The health care take-up for psychological symptoms and diseases, GPA, teacher-awarded grades, and the probability of attending an academic high school track were all significantly impacted for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Overall, the study suggests that banning smartphones in schools can have a positive impact on students’ academic performance and well-being, especially for girls and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.