15 Reasons Why Students Should Have Phones in Schools

This article uncovers the top 15 reasons to explain why should students have phones in schools and how excessive mobile usage impacts their academic career. Read on to take part in a debate on whether mobile phones should be allowed in school or not!

What do you think of a student’s mobile phone: a disruptor or a pocket-sized powerful learning tool that helps in achieving academic success in this digital age of 2025? Well, the debate on why should students have phones in school has been a part of our educational system for years, but with advancements in technology, the answer has become more reasonable, clear, and practical. 

Common Sense Media reported that about 97% of teenagers use their mobile phones during school time, with an average time period of 43 minutes, ranging from less than a minute to 6 and a half hours. It not only brings the information to each student’s fingertips but also makes you explore beyond your textbooks. 

In this article, we will share 15 reasons why cell phones should be allowed in schools and how they pave the path towards your academic success. So, let’s dive in to see phones in a whole new light!

Key Takeaway

1. 97% of teenagers use their mobile phones during school time.
2. Mobile phones give access to real-time information anywhere and anytime to improve learning.
3. It helps students manage their time and organise their schedule.
4. Mobile phones offer safety and emergency communication.
5. Some schools ban mobile usage in the classroom to avoid distractions and improve focused learning.
6. 78% of parents want their child to have cell phones in schools to minimise security risk and contact instantly in emergencies.

15 Reasons Why Students Should Have Phones In Schools

If you are wondering how to get the answer to a very common question, “Why should students have phones in school?”, or should they be kept out of sight? It’s a suggested solution for schools that may surprise you as technology becomes more and more common in your daily lives. The use of mobile phones goes beyond simple distractions, as we now use them for learning purposes, get assistance from experts, and to ensure security measures.

Today, most of the academic tasks, like urgent assignments, quizzes and presentations, require students to use their cell phones in school. However, even the most brilliant students struggle with the day-by-day increasing and strict homework requirements. In case you find yourself struggling with your pending homework, you can acquire support from reputable assignment writing services in the UK. Their experts assist students all over the globe to better perform in academics and also ensure peace of mind!

Now, we will discuss 15 strong arguments for why should students have phones in schools, demonstrating how these gadgets may improve both education and mental health.

1. Access to Real-Time Information

Nowadays, finding accurate answers quickly is essential in a lively learning environment, so the mobile phone plays a very crucial role in these fast-paced academic settings. You may use your mobile phones to investigate, learn more, and expand your knowledge in real time during class.

By providing access to real-time information, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• It can provide you with instant access to databases and search engines to streamline the process of academic research.
• It also helps you to get the answers to your questions quickly.
• It promotes creativity and self-directed learning in students.

2. Personalised Learning Opportunities

Every student or person learns differently. Students may need their smartphones to learn difficult concepts in their own way, using various applications that allow them to customise their learning experiences. They may need phones in the classrooms to use different tools, applications, and videos according to their requirements.

Here is why should students have phones in schools to improve their personal learning:

• It accommodates several learning methods, including physical, auditory, and visual.
• It provides you with access to expert learning materials and applications.
• It encourages learners to progress at their own speed.

3. Time Management and Productivity Tools

You may find difficulties managing your time when you face several assignments and due dates. If you use a smartphone in your classroom room you may remain active and organised because on this smartphone you can use timers, calendar applications, and reminders.

These points highlight how phones help students in managing their time and improving productivity:

• It allows you to use calendar applications for planning homework and tests.
• You can use timers and alarm functions to organise your study times.
• It encourages the development of scheduling and efficiency skills.

4. Instant Access to E-Books and Study Materials

The days of holding bulky textbooks are gone because technology develops day by day, and many smartphones are available in the market. You may download or read academic PDFs, notes, and e-books anywhere using smartphones. You can read or learn any kind of material on your smartphone.

Here is why should students have phones in schools to access study materials:

• It lowers the need to carry huge textbooks.
• It allows you to use digital libraries and updated materials.
• It improves your searchability and notetaking skills.

5. Global Learning and Cultural Exposure 

You may learn educational things or about cultures outside of your world by using your smartphones, as they can provide access to global news, cultures, and resources. You can also learn about the world outside of your classrooms from podcasts, videos, and live events. It is a compelling argument that why should students have phones in schools because they have the ability to connect people with the wider world.

The following are a few benefits of using your mobile phones in schools related to global and cultural exposures:

• You can learn global concepts and cultures as it provides exposure.
• You can also take part in international webinars and online discussions. 
• It also encourages empathy and global awareness.

6. Instant Communication with Teachers

As the world goes over digitisation day by day, this is also beneficial for students. You can not only communicate with your teacher in the classroom, but you can also contact them on your smartphone while using different applications. You may use your smartphones to remain in touch even after school, complete informative assignments with their help, and ask questions from time to time.

Here is how you can instantly contact your teachers by using your pocket-friendly smartphone:

• You can simply give the answer to the questions of your assignment or lesson.
• You can get the new notifications or updates other than class hours.
• It also promotes appropriate communication.

7.  Learning Useful Digital Skills

You may need to be digitally knowledgeable in the tech-driven world of today. One key reason why should students have phones in schools is to practice practical digital skills that will help them in college and in their future employment by using their cellphones in the classroom. 

Here is how the use of mobile phones can help students to improve their digital skills: 

• It instructs students on how to use apps for writing, collaboration, and presentations.
• It can increase your knowledge about using gadgets, which is required for future employment.
• It also increases your confidence while utilising technology.

8. Use of Educational Videos

Streaming videos are very crucial for students to understand many difficult concepts practically, as videos greatly simplify abstract or challenging ideas. You can use reliable mobile video platforms to review classes or pick up new information.

The following are a few benefits to explain why should students have phones in schools:

• It can easily explain your ideas simply and graphically.
• You can watch brief video tutorials to improve your revision.
• It helps you to recall your knowledge.

9. GPS and Navigation for Field Trips

You can use your smartphones related to every field of your educational life as they can serve as useful navigational guides during field trips and educational trips. They also provide you with safety rather than only promoting learning opportunities in a relevant environment.

It may include the following characteristics of using smartphones in school:

• It allows you to find your way around new places.
• Your teachers can get access to your location easily.
• It can lower the possibility of becoming lost or separated.

10. Emergency Contact and Safety

Phones assist your kids to get help right away and get in touch with parents or guardians when a health or environmental emergency occurs. This is the main reason behind allowing the use of phones in schools, as the majority of parents want their child to access their smartphones in emergency situations.

The following are a few reasons why should students have phones in school to ensure instant contact in emergency situations: 

• Taking your phone into school allows you to a quick emergency calls.
• It provides comfort to your parents while their kids are away from them.
• It may also support the policies and procedures for school safety

11. Support for Students with Disabilities

There are many features in smartphones that help students with disabilities. They are beneficial as they can promote accessibility and inclusivity in education with tools such a monitor readers and speech-to-text.

Here’s how the use of phones provides support to students with disabilities:

• Mobiles these days have made it easy to access screen reading, especially for disabled students. 
• They also encourage voice typing, where you just need to say the prompt.
• Phones have a translation mode that also acts as a language learner for students.
• Such students can independently learn and communicate using phones at school.

12. Gamified Learning Through Apps

Students often get bored with textbook learning and repeating the same assignments. Another strong argument in favour of why students should have phones in schools is that it improves their learning by transforming dull subjects into gamified versions. It contains cartoon characters and various interactive features that make classroom learning a rewarding experience. This is why schools promote the making of educational apps on smartphones, making learning feel more like play.

Here is how it impacts students’ learning:

• Most of these applications have rewarding points for students to boost participation.
• It makes repetition fun, particularly in language or math classes.
• It also encourages students to keep learning even outside of the classroom.

13. Camera for Visual Learning and Projects

Students know how to make use of their phone’s camera to take pictures of lessons and board lectures. So, it is not just a selfie tool for you; it also plays an important role in enhancing your learning. For example, if you are doing a science experiment, making a field visit, or taking part in some creative work, you can record visuals from time to time.

Still wondering why should students have phones in schools? Here is how using your cell phones you can improve your visual learning opportunities:

• It helps you to document field observations, presentations, and science experiments.
• It also facilitates the submission of graphic tasks like digital assignments.
• It improves students’ storytelling by using attractive visuals.

14. Collaboration Through Group Chats and Forums

You can take part in different group chats and organisations that allow students to work together, even outside school hours. It helps you build strong relations with your fellows and instructors, and also makes your tasks more appealing with group feedback. So, while answering why students should have phones in schools, remember that they improve collaboration and teamwork skills among students.

Here is how a small gadget in your pocket can allow you to take part in meaningful discussions:

• It promotes collaborative education and also allows students to share impactful ideas with one another.
• It also makes your group chats easier by using apps like instant messaging.
• It also enhances teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

15. Use of Learning Apps and Platforms

Your mobile phone is a treasure of learning apps and tools that you can use anytime and anywhere with no extra effort. Now, you can learn every subject using these guiding tools and streamline your assignment writing tasks with a helpful guide excellently. So, without any worries, you can now access the content, learn, practice, and even revise whenever you want. 

The following are a few reasons why should students have phones in school to ensure instant learning from their platforms:

• It helps you to take some quick quizzes and test your understanding of the subject.
• Some apps help in learning different languages, like Duolingo.
• You can now solve your math problems with simple and easy solutions on your mobile.

Is It Illegal to Take Your Child’s Phone Away in the UK?

Well, it depends on the circumstances that make you take the steps to take your child’s phone away. But still, the answer to this question is yes, parents have the legal right to remove their child’s mobile phone if they are misusing it. Not just parents, but schools also hold this right under the “in loco parentis” concept to take your child’s phone away as long as it is fair and adequate. 

This law provides parents and schools with the authority to set some limits on their child’s property to ensure their well-being. Before actually applying this rule, here is what you should know:

• The Role of Parents

Parents are the guardians of a child who will always prefer their child’s well-being. In order to manage their routine and healthy habits, it becomes essential to limit phone usage, so that they can get a disciplined life.

• The Role of Schools

According to Gov.UK government, schools should ban mobile usage in the classroom as well as during breaks to ensure a calm and focused learning for students. It will not only reduce classroom distractions but also prevent social pressure and preserve the mental health of students.

Warnings & Best Practices

• It is the duty of school staff they prioritise students’ safety if they ban their mobile usage and ensuring quick communication with their parents in case of emergency.
• If a student uses a phone in spite of the ban, teachers can take away their phone, but it must be returned the same day, if it was seized for non-lethal reasons.
• Although schools have the authority to remove or restrict mobile phones of students, they still cannot access their content, as it is against privacy. 

Should I Take My 13-Year-Old’s Phone Away?

First of all, you should analyse the situation that urges you to take your 13-year-old child’s phone away. Whether they are misusing it or it is affecting their behaviour and habits badly, you can take such a hard step to fulfil the parenting goals. Yes, you can do it for your child’s safety, but the actual question is, “Will it help to improve the situation?”

Limiting screen time becomes crucial for such young children if they persistently use their mobile phones for gaming or cyberbullying. Parents can also take this step if the children break the rules of healthy screen habits and disturb their daily routine. Some children also get used to late-night scrolling on social media, which not only affects their sleep patterns but also becomes an addiction. This is where it becomes necessary for parents to take their child’s phone away for a certain time period.

Potential Risks

However, some risks are also associated with this situation, which showcases why students should have phones in schools. It includes:

• Just Answers presents a similar situation where the parents raise a question of their daughter’s security if the school takes away her child’s phone. They’re afraid of the emergency situations that require them to contact their parents, and without a phone, they’re completely cut off.
• According to USDE Releases for students, 78% of parents want their children to have cell phone access in case of an emergency at school. So, if you remove this contact, it becomes a cause of anxiety and tension on both sides.
• If you suddenly remove your child’s phone without prior discussion, it may cause the state of disapproval or your child may mistrust you for the next time. So, instead of removal, you should set some boundaries or restrict the time for mobile usage.

Why should Mobile Phones be allowed in School? 

Mobile phones serve as a powerful tool for students to improve their education. According to The Access Group, it is useful for educational purposes, such as for research, educational apps, and getting instant access to information. Other than education, it also helps students, parents, and staff to communicate with each other in an emergency, and provides organisational features like calendars and reminders. They can also offer accessibility features to improve learning gaps.

What is the Advantage of Having a Phone as a Student? 

According to Maryville University, you can benefit from a phone in many ways, such as by connecting with friends and family, making emergency contact, accessing learning applications and educational resources, helping with organisation, and developing digital responsibility skills. Moreover, it offers a link to current affairs and helps students to build online relationships with others.

What are the Pros and Cons of Phones?  

British Council Teens offers the following pros and cons of using cell phones.

Pros:  

Here is how it helps students in many ways:

• It can improve communication.
• It can give you access to a wealth of knowledge and learning materials.
• It provides you with entertainment and emergency support.
• It is quite beneficial for smooth banking and navigation as it develops your digital knowledge.

Cons: 

The use of a mobile phone can cause many problems while studying, including:

• It can be the major reason for distraction in the classroom.
• You may get addicted to scrolling social media on your phones.
• You may ignore the privacy issues of other people.
• You can waste your time on online bullying of each other.

Why Should You Give Your Kid a Phone? 

Children’s Hospital Colorado provides a few general reasons to give a phone to your kids. One of the main reasons is safety or security, and to teach them digital etiquette and responsibility. Additionally, a kid becomes more independent, which may be used to access age-appropriate instructional materials and manage schedules. 

So, the use of a mobile phone is more than just an entertainment source; it also improves kids’ learning and opens ways for a bright future, if used correctly. However, if you think about the phone addiction that your child can fall into the trap of this technology, you should prefer to give him an old-fashioned phone with no access to the Internet. 

Why Should Phones Not Be Banned? 

BBC states that banning mobile phones for students in schools neither significantly impacts their grades nor their mental health. Rather, it can cause the loss of education in some cases because it can limit access to educational resources and digital learning opportunities. It can also lower the opportunities for students to learn responsible digital citizenship, and possibly contribute to failure. Additionally, it may cause an interaction gap between the digitally connected outside world and school life. 

Can I kick my 16-year-old out? 

According to Find Law, parents or guardians normally have a legal duty to give support until the child reaches maturity. It is normally illegal to kick your 16-year-old children out of your house in the US, UK, and many other countries. Legal effects, including allegations of abuse or separation and cases of child neglect, might result from doing so. Moreover, you may get legal advice if you find yourself in such circumstances.

How Long Can a School Take a Phone? 

UK Government states that every school has its own policy for the amount of time that a school may seize a student’s mobile phone. Different schools have different policies; some may demand a parent to pick up the phone, while others return it at the end of the day or after a few days. But there is no hard and fast rule for the time period a school can take a phone call.

Final Thoughts

In this digital age, where everything revolves around our smart gadgets, it has become easier to answer “why should students have phones in schools”? Now, they are not just tools for communication and entertainment; their evolution has brought meaningful changes, jam-packed skills, and immense knowledge in one place! So, if any institute bans phones, it means they are denying from updated skills and meaningful educational experiences. So, it is high time to make use of the smartphone’s potential for the betterment of students.

Among the most beneficial uses of this device, last but not least, is seeking support from experts to accomplish your complex assignments. By contacting them through your smartphone or laptop, you can reach out to the best assignment writing firms in the UK to transform your dull and boring tasks into a masterpiece! So, whether you are a student who solves math queries with your mobile, learns coding with AI, or joins online classes globally, you will always support the use of phones in schools.