In a bold move, the founder and CEO of the tech company Yondr, Graham Dugoni, has called for a complete ban on smartphones in schools across the UK. Dugoni, a former professional footballer turned entrepreneur, has not owned a smartphone himself for over a decade and believes that these devices have no place in the classroom.
Dugoni’s stance on the issue is clear: “Smartphones are a distraction and a detriment to the learning environment. They encourage students to be constantly connected to social media and other digital distractions, which ultimately hinders their ability to focus and engage with the material being taught.”
The Yondr CEO’s views are supported by a growing body of research that suggests the presence of smartphones in schools can have a negative impact on academic performance. A 2015 study conducted by the London School of Economics found that schools that banned mobile phones saw a significant improvement in student test scores, particularly among the lowest-achieving pupils.
“It’s not just about the distraction factor,” Dugoni explains. “Smartphones also present a significant privacy and security risk, especially for younger students. Cyberbullying, sexting, and other online threats are very real concerns that schools need to address.”
Dugoni’s company, Yondr, has developed a unique solution to this problem – a lockable pouch that temporarily stores a student’s smartphone during the school day. The pouches are designed to be easy to use and discreet, ensuring that students can still access their devices during breaks and after school.
“The Yondr system allows students to maintain a connection with their parents and other important contacts, while still creating a distraction-free learning environment,” Dugoni says. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
While Dugoni’s proposal has garnered significant attention, not everyone is on board with the idea of a complete smartphone ban in schools. Some educators argue that smartphones can be valuable educational tools when used appropriately, and that banning them outright may be an overly restrictive measure.
“There’s no denying that smartphones can be a distraction, but they also have the potential to enhance the learning experience,” says Sarah Wilkinson, a teacher at a secondary school in London. “It’s all about finding the right balance and implementing clear policies around their use in the classroom.”
As the debate over smartphones in schools continues, it’s clear that the issue is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. Ultimately, it will be up to policymakers, educators, and parents to determine the best course of action to ensure that students can thrive in a 21st-century learning environment.
