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Irish Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Mobile bans in schools do not have any impact on student grades or wellbeing, study finds
There is no evidence that smartphone bans in schools have any impact on students' wellbeing or academic performance, according to a study from Dublin City University (DCU). The findings come as Minister for Education Helen McEntee invites schools to apply for a €9 million fund for phone pouches and other storage solutions for second-level schools to help implement phone restrictions. Researchers examined international research on smartphone bans and related research on the use of the devices among children and adolescents. The report finds the international research is 'clearly mixed and somewhat conflicting', with most studies showing that smartphone ban policies have had 'little or no impact on education and wellbeing among students' in different countries. READ MORE The study, entitled Restriction or Resilience? Smartphone Bans in Schools: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Students , finds the stricter the phone ban, the more students look for ways to subvert it. Researchers also conducted focus groups with students in schools in Ireland about their experiences and understanding of smartphone bans. Students said they were not taught enough in school about online safety and digital citizenship, leading them to rely on their peers for guidance and skills. The report also found students' voices have not been included in decision-making on smartphone restrictions within schools. The report recommends further research and that student voices be empowered in initiatives that directly affect them, as well as appropriate regulation of social media companies. Megan Reynolds, lead author of the report, said the research shows we 'need to listen to students on issues that directly impact them'. This, said Dr Reynolds, would provide an opportunity for 'more nuanced conversations on smartphones'. 'With this research, we can ensure that we are supporting both students and teachers on the topic of smartphone bans in schools and create a meaningful change for all involved' she said. Ms McEntee announced guidance for post-primary schools last week, which requires them to restrict mobile phone use during the school day. She said she was confident the policy 'will support student wellbeing, engagement and their interaction with their peers, while also recognising the experience and expertise of school communities and the need for consultation'. The Minister said schools should develop their policies in consultation with students, parents and teachers on what measures work best for their school community and their students. 'Students should not be on their phones during the school day; this guidance and support will ensure all schools have the supports they need to achieve this, having regard to their own requirements,' she said. Ms McEntee said her department continues to invest in developing digital literacy of our children and young people through programmes such as Webwise and teacher-training initiatives. Many schools that have implemented smartphone bans using phone pouches and other forms of storage say the measures have had a positive impact. Eileen O'Donnell, principal of St Raphaela's Secondary School in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, said there are fewer distractions during class and students are interacting more at break times. 'We tried it [phone pouches] for a year, initially, but we wouldn't go back now,' she said. 'Students may not like it, but they are the first to admit they are not being distracted and going down rabbit holes. There's definitely more conversation at break and lunchtime.' However, Kevin Shortall, principal of St Aidan's Community School in Tallaght, Dublin, said access to phones has proven useful for many students. 'We have no digital resources or one-to-one devices here, so they have been useful for students, especially those whose first language isn't English,' he said. 'Any issues, like cyberbullying or students being left out, are happening outside school time.'
Times of Oman
10-06-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Pact signed for health-promoting educational environment in Oman schools
Muscat: The Ministry of Education, Ministry of and Health, and Al Jisr Charitable Foundation signed a cooperation agreement to support the health promoting schools initiative at Al Jisr Charitable Foundation's headquarters in Muscat. The agreement aims to provide a safe and health-promoting educational environment for schools, enabling students to enhance their academic achievement, acquire necessary life skills, and integrate into society. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Education by Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambosaidi, Undersecretary for Education; on behalf of the Ministry of Health by Sulaiman bin Nasser Al-Hajji, Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs; and on behalf of the Al Jisr Charitable Foundation by Dina Al Khalili, Director-General of the Foundation. On the importance of signing the agreement to support the health promoting schools initiative, Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambosaidi, said: 'This initiative, which will be implemented over the next five years, is of great importance in promoting a healthy environment for students, as it is a key tool that positively reflects on their academic achievement. 'The total number of schools participating in this initiative since its launch has reached 566 from various educational directorates in the governorates, in which the various initiative programmes are implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Al Jisr Charitable Foundation.' Sulaiman bin Nasser Al Hajji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Financial Affairs, stated: 'This initiative stems from a strategic partnership to achieve the common good of society and promote health in the school environment, in particular, by improving the learning environment for students, enhancing their academic achievement, protecting them from diseases, reducing their absence from school, enhancing their mental health, and building lasting healthy habits for these students, so that they are more able to focus, pay attention, and learn.' Regarding the community partnership between Al Jisr Charitable Foundation and the government sector, Dina Al Khalili, the Foundation's Director-General, said: 'This strategic partnership embodies the convergence of healthcare and educational efforts and achieves our shared vision of providing a healthy school environment that enhances students' academic achievement and develops their necessary life skills. 'We appreciate the role of the Ministries of Education and Health for their trust and cooperation in this initiative, and we affirm our commitment to achieving a sustainable impact for students and society.' It's worth noting that Al Jisr Foundation is funding sustainable projects for three schools that have achieved the highest gold rating in the health promoting schools initiative over a five-year period. It also provides general oversight of the initiative's implementation and collaborates with a specialised team from both ministries to develop a visual identity and guidelines for the initiative. It is also working on developing an electronic platform for the initiative, which will be launched at a later time.
