Allowing or disallowing the use of cell phones in school has been a big debate for the past years. But are they actually helpful learning tools or distractions?

Social media apps are designed to keep people glued to screens for a long time, and the impact of this on students’ attention and health has become a concern. Many TCS students see both positives and negatives of phone use during school hours. Some find it useful for quick internet searches or notifications, while others believe that phones can kill focus and connection with other students, especially short-duration content like TikTok and Reels, which are an obstacle.

Senior, Pedro Florez, uses his phone mainly during breaks to check notifications and search for information.

“I think it does happen occasionally. Sometimes if I get a notification or something I need to check, I’ll look at my phone”, Florez said. Florez tries to control his phone use in order to avoid disrupting his focus during class, but admits that the temptation to use the phone is strong.

Florez tries to control his phone use in order to avoid disrupting his focus during class, but admits that the temptation to use the phone is strong. Senior Santiago Gamez feels that phones have created a sense of dependency on teenagers, especially at lunchtime when many are glued to screens instead of socializing.

“Phones have isolated students and kids since they have become less connected with each other,” Gamez said.

Students’ use of social media can lead to both social interaction and physical health concerns. The excessive time spent on screens is affecting some students’ sleep and overall well-being. Senior, Sebastian Ramos sees the potential of phones as learning tools but insists they should only be used responsibly.

“There can be some cases of people that know how to use our cell phone and technology just to learn and use it for academic purposes,” he explains. However, Ramos is doubtful about the use of phones in certain classes like math or Spanish, believing that phones are more of a distraction than a helpful resource in these subjects. “In a Spanish or math class, I think we don’t need cell phones,” Ramos said.

While some students believe phones can be helpful in certain contexts, others feel they should be limited to specific times or subjects. The impact of phones on mental health is another concern. Gamez explains that excessive screen time sometimes affects his sleep, making it difficult to unwind at night.

“Sometimes, not always, but in most of the cases, it difficults my sleeping ability,” Gamez said.

Students are finding it difficult to disconnect from their phones, especially when the temptation of social media is so strong. Florez recognizes how phone use can harm productivity, especially the consumption of short videos.

“After watching a lot of social media, I can feel less motivated and less productive,” Florez said. His experience shows that phones provide easy access to information.

As the debate continues, it is crucial for both students and educators to seek solutions that balance the benefits of technology with healthy limits. Gamez supports the idea of having scheduled times when phones are not allowed, which he says would improve students’ mental well-being.

“It would be very beneficial in many ways and health-wise. I think it would be good to implement something like that,” Gamez said.