Cousins (left) Ashley Rodriguez and Jamee Mayo, both 15 check in on their cell phones as they take a break from their shopping at the mall in Jacksonville, FL.
© Bob Self / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Carbondale, IL) – Cell phone use is a hot topic these days. Many educators — and some lawmakers around the Tri-state — have expressed a desire to ban the use of cell phones in schools. Some argue cell phones lead to distracted kids, wasted time in class, and other issues — particularly when school is in session.
New research found that while it may sound counterintuitive, offering kids short cell phone breaks can be a good thing. The scientists behind the study at Southern Illinois University found that short breaks of that kind can actually enhance student focus in class. Researchers offered participants a brief phone, laptop, or tablet break — and found it boosted classroom performance.
But the break needs to be short and tightly controlled. Any break between two or four minutes proved to be too long. One minute seems to be just about right. The researchers working theory is that 60 seconds works out as just enough time to send a text, write up an email, or check out social media — without allowing for a long, involved conversation.
The Southern Illinois University study argues that students will be more likely to pay attention in class — and post higher grades and test scores — when given brief breaks.
