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The scientific look at the cell phone in class
The debate about smartphones in schools is often emotional. But what does the data say? In recent years, renowned institutes around the world — from University of Augsburg up to OECD — investigated the effects of permanent digital availability on children and adolescents. The results paint a clear picture: The mere presence of a smartphone reduces cognitive performance (“brain drain”), while a consistent separation from the device (“Away for the Day”) strengthens social interaction and ensures learning success.Here you will find a detailed review of the most important scientific findings that incorporate the concept of LOCKSTA support.
Concentration & performance:
The “brain drain” effect
Many schools rely on the rule: “Cell phone in your pocket.” However, science shows that this is often not enough.
The Augsburg Meta-Study
Researchers from the University of Augsburg published in the scientific journal Education Sciences a comprehensive analysis of international studies (including from Norway, Spain, England).
The core insight: Even when the smartphone is muted, it ties up cognitive resources as long as it is within reach (pocket or schoolbag).
The result: A complete ban or closure of devices leads to measurable positive effects on learning performance and social well-being.
The PISA study 2022
The results of the 2022 PISA study provided alarming figures on digital distraction:
Distraction: round 60% of students claimed to be distracted by digital devices in class.
Power loss: There is a significant correlation: The higher the distraction caused by cell phones, the worse the math performance.
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out): More than a third of students feel nervous or anxious when their device is not around — a clear sign of psychological dependence.
German School Portal: The most important results of the PISA study
Mental Health &
Social interaction
A key argument for smartphone-free zones is the protection of mental health.
The Norway Study (2024): Less bullying, healthier girls
A groundbreaking study at 400 secondary schools in Norway examined the effects of strict smartphone bans. The results are clear:
Decrease in cyberbullying: Incidents of bullying dropped drastically (by approx. 43 — 46%). Without the cell phone during the break, there is no tool to film classmates or embarrass them online.
Mental health: Girls in particular showed significantly fewer symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression after the ban.
SSRN Papers: Smartphone Bans, Student Outcomes and Mental Health
DAK & UKE study: Combating media addiction
The joint longitudinal study by DAK Health and the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has been providing the most well-founded data on media use by German children and adolescents for years. The results for the post-pandemic phase are worrying:
Permanently high level: Media usage skyrocketed during the corona pandemic. Contrary to the hope of many experts, these figures barely fell after the end of the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of children and adolescents display risky or pathological (pathological) usage behavior.
Social media addiction: In particular, the use of social media (TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat) is driving up addiction figures. It is estimated that around 24.5% of minors use social media riskily.
The consequences: Affected adolescents are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety disorders and massive sleep disorders. Constant digital consumption leads to a loss of reality and neglect of hobbies and friendships.
Analog vs. digital: How our brain learns
Is digital always better? Neuroscientific findings suggest that analog abilities remain essential for brain development.
Handwriting vs. typing (EEG study)
One in Frontiers in Psychology Published study shows that handwritten notes lead to more complex neural networks than typing on tablets. Physical writing anchors knowledge more deeply in memory.
Reading research
Studies show that reading on paper (“deep reading”) promotes deeper text comprehension than cursory reading on a screen.
UNESCO World Education Report
In its report “Technology in Education,” UNESCO warns against unreflected digitization. Technology must not replace human interaction.
Social Support: The “Smartphone-Free Schools” Initiative
The demand for cellphone-free learning spaces is not only backed by scientists, but also by a broad movement of parents, teachers and experts. The charitable initiative “Smarter start from 14 e.V.” and their campaign “Smartphone-free schools” Do decisive pioneering work here. With successful petitions and well-founded information, they fight for children's right to undisturbed development and education. Your guiding principle “Away for the Day” (The cell phone stays away for the school day) is also our conviction.
How LOCKSTA helps:While the initiative the “Why” explains, does LOCKSTA deliver the “How”. We see ourselves as the practical answer to these demands: Our locking solutions transform the desire for a cellphone-free school into a feasible, secure and stress-free reality for school administrators and parents.
More information about the initiative:
www.smartphonefreieschulen.org
www.smarterstartab14.de
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