Wellbeing

Mobile Phone Separation Anxiety

Many families are facing the very real challenge of addressing mobile phone separation anxiety in their children. Banning mobile phones in schools has become a topic of intense debate worldwide, including in Australia. Many schools have implemented comprehensive bans on mobile phones during school hours. Critics argue against the effectiveness of such bans, but numerous studies provide evidence of their positive impacts.

One such study conducted in 2016 revealed that schools with mobile phone bans experienced a significant increase in student performance, with test scores improving by approximately 6.4% of a standard deviation. This improvement was equivalent to adding five days to the school year or an extra hour of learning per week. The positive effects were particularly notable among low-achieving students. Similar studies conducted in Spain and Norway have consistently supported these findings.

It is crucial to acknowledge this issue and engage in open discussions about the negative effects of phone addiction. Parents and caregivers can use various strategies to help minimise the impact of such bans while safeguarding their child’s mental health and wellbeing. Maintaining open communication with your school is essential. It is important to stay informed and collaborate with educators to develop effective strategies for supporting children during the adjustment period.

While addressing mobile phone separation anxiety is challenging, implementing such bans in schools allows for better focus on teaching and learning, minimising distractions and interruptions. The evidence of improved student performance and the need to address the negative impacts of excessive phone use emphasise the importance of parental involvement in promoting healthy phone habits and supporting children through this transition.

Current research into the hazards of mobile phone devices. 

Increasingly, research has asserted that there are distinct negative factors associated with the overuse of personal mobile devices in a learning environment. In particular, detrimental issues include: 

• Distraction from learning 

• Slowing of personal and social development 

• Increased incidents of students being ‘triggered’ by social media messages during the school day, leading to increased numbers of students presenting with anxiety. 

• The use of mobile devices to incite, bully, intimidate or harass others. 

• Incidents of students using mobile devices to take unsolicited photos or videos leading to escalation of conflict, bullying, and anxiety 

• Multitasking is an illusion as our brain has to switch back and forth between the two activities which has a cost to attention and productivity. Even brief mental blocks created by shifting between tasks such as checking a phone can impact productivity by 40%.

The Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Mobile Device Policy applies to all students when on school grounds or Mary MacKillop College students involved in activities organized by College staff, including camps and excursions 

Section 5.0 5.1 outlines the Procedures of Acceptable Use (Students) 

• Personal mobile devices are permitted at school and may be used before the homeroom period and after the final period of academic instruction. 

• During timetabled classes it is the up to the discretion of the classroom teacher whether a personal mobile device can be used in class. (Academic purposes only and do not disadvantage a student who does possess a mobile device) 

• Mobile phones must be kept on silent mode and kept “out of sight” during classroom lessons and College activities to minimise distractions.  

• Mobile phones are permitted for the purchase of food and beverages from the Canteen. (This does not include during periods of academic instruction) • Mobiles phones are permitted to be used by students with medical exemptions

Failure to comply with the policy results is outlined as found in the policy.

1st Breach in a Semester 

Confiscation of the mobile device until the end of the day. The teacher in charge will take it to reception to be stored and signed for. In this instance, it is the responsibility of the student to collect the device after school. Students will sign that they have collected the device. Should a student fail to comply the Classroom Management Procedure will apply and the student will be exited from the learning class.

2nd Breach in a Semester 

Confiscation of the mobile device. The teacher in charge will take it to reception to be stored and signed for. Parents will be notified and will be required to collect the device.

3rd Breach in a Semester 

Where there is ongoing improper use of the personal mobile device, or in their student agreement or positive behaviour support plan, the student will be required to hand in their personal mobile device at the beginning of the school day and then collect it from reception at the end of the school day as agreed between College Leadership and parents.

If further actions are required for student compliance the College reserves the right to restrict use to ensure child safety.

Families can access the College Mobile Policy using the link provided HERE 

A useful resource can be found on MacKillop School TV. Click HERE to access this resource.