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US Schools Grapple With Student Smartphone Addiction
6 Jan
Summary
- US high schoolers spend 1.16 hours daily on phones during school.
- Social media apps are designed to be addictive, researchers state.
- Many states enforce phone bans, but enforcement is poor.
Research from the University of Washington School of Medicine indicates that US high school students spend over an hour each school day using their smartphones. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, tracked 640 teens and found an average daily usage of 1.16 hours, predominantly on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Older teens from lower-income households exhibited higher usage rates.
Experts emphasize that the addictive design of these apps can hinder students' engagement in class and the development of essential social skills. While 35 states and Washington D.C. have implemented phone ban policies, their enforcement is frequently cited as inadequate. This issue arises as American education confronts declining academic scores, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic and the pervasive influence of quick-access digital entertainment.
Many school districts are now experimenting with complete phone bans, though some argue for the potential educational benefits of phones when used appropriately. Proposed legislation, such as the UNPLUGGED Act, aims to reduce distractions in public schools, but these measures have not yet reached the White House for final consideration. Public opinion largely supports phone restrictions in middle and high schools.
