Mobile phones in the classroom – Should they be banned? Our CEO, Helen Lami explores screen time, digital addiction and how to teach students responsible phone use.
Mobile phones in the classroom – to ban or not to ban?
The debate regarding mobile phones has become a hot topic: should young people be allowed to use mobile phones at summer camps or should they be banned? This debate is not just for summer camps but school in general.
Many worry about excessive screen time, the dangers of the Internet and a decline in social skills and face to face relationships. However, banning mobiles is not the solution. We need to teach students how to use their devices as tools, equipping them with essential digital skills for the future. The future is changing fast and the skills needed are also changing.
Students know how to scroll on their phones but they do not have proper skills. They also need to learn when to put their phone down. So a ban is not needed but training and guidance.
Bill Gates says, “The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.”
I believe our job is to make sure young people enter this village prepared. In this article I will tackle some of the issues and provide some advice based on my years of experience in education.
The dangers of phone addiction
Mobile phones can be as addictive as drugs. Social media platforms, games and scrolling are designed to trigger dopamine, keeping users hooked. This is why we struggle to put our devices down – it’s not just a habit; it’s a compulsion. So how do we control it? The key is balance. Setting screen time limits, using apps that track usage and enforcing digital detox times such as meal times and bedtime.
On our summer camps we like to keep students active with interesting activities so we are teaching students to enjoy real-life experiences. Just as we educate young people about healthy eating and exercise, we must teach them how to manage their digital consumption to avoid dependency.
Why a mobile ban won’t work
Let’s be realistic, if we tell teenagers they can’t have their phones, they’ll only become more determined to find a way. I have had experiences of taking a mobile phone away to find the student has a second phone or even goes out and buys a second smart phone! Mobile devices are an integral part of their lives and instead of fighting this reality, we should focus on guiding them towards responsible use.
At a recent Google event I went to the speaker described mobile phones as “an essential tool for your “a remote control for life”. Instead of just mindlessly scrolling, young people should be learning how to research, network and develop their digital literacy. Mobile phones are not just distractions, they are opportunities.
A modern approach to digital safety and privacy
Just as we were taught about ‘stranger danger’as children, today’s parents need to educate themselves about online safety and set clear boundaries for their children. It’s not about fear but about being informed and having open discussions.
Here are key digital safety guidelines:
- PEGI (Pan European Game Information) is an age rating system that helps parents determine whether a video game is appropriate. The ratings range from PEGI 3 (suitable for all ages) to PEGI 18 (suitable for adults). Check PEGI ratings to ensure your young people are not exposed to unsuitable content such as excessive violence, sexual content, online interactions with strangers in chat rooms or inappropriate gambling.
- Most social media platforms do not allow children to join before they have reached the age of 13. So students under 13 should not be on social media.
- Parental controls and tracking: Parents are advised to put parental filters on, use tracking settings and ensure computers are used in shared spaces rather than in bedrooms;
- If your child has a mobile, monitor the apps they have on their phone and what they have access to. For example, no in-app purchases without permission.
- Open conversations: sit down with your child and discuss what’s safe and what’s not. Be interested in what they are doing so they feel safe to talk about things.
- Protecting personal privacy: parents and teachers must guide young people on what’s appropriate to share online and how they should protect their privacy. Make sure they know not to share personal details like their name, phone number, address or location. Educate them to use strong passwords and change them, and to use a nickname instead of their real name.
- Personal branding starts young: many young people don’t realise that what they post today can affect their future opportunities. Employers and universities check social media profiles. Encouraging our young people to develop a positive online presence early will set them apart in the future.
- Some good resources include: CEOP Education which has age appropriate training on online safety: and The NSPCC which provides helpful advice on online safety.
Mobile phones in the classroom on Academic Summer Camps
Our structured approach teaches young people how to use mobile phones in the classroom and when to put their devices down.
At Academic Summer, we try to take a balanced, age-appropriate approach to technology:
Under 12s: Devices are collected and only used for calls home. This allows children to engage fully in camp life and develop social skills without distractions
Ages 13+: Devices are integrated into learning. Teachers supervise usage, ensuring students gain valuable digital skills
- Privacy awareness: we include training on online safety and teach students to think before they post and to understand digital footprints;
- Meal times and leisure activities: phones are not allowed during mealtimes so we encourage conversation and social interaction, and this is for staff and students alike. All leisure activities include everybody, so students naturally take breaks from their screens to participate in the fun;
- We stress the importance of skills such as critical thinking and creativity which have an important impact on the future of each student. Embracing these two factors is how they stand out in today’s world. There is a vast amount of information about this online. Young people must learn to question sources, distinguish between fact and misinformation and make informed decisions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can process data, but cannot replace human judgement, creativity and ethical reasoning which are essential for daily live and crucial to future career development.
This structured approach teaches young people how to use mobile phones in the classroom and when to put their devices down. This is an essential life skill. Having said that, of course we acknowledge that mobile phone addiction is real, and part of our role is to help students develop a healthy relationship with technology.
Do we set a good example?
As adults do we set a good example of mobile phone use? Do we know when to put our devices down or are we distracted by them? Are we continuously checking our WhatsApp or emails and answering them while half listening?
We should:
- Set boundaries for ourselves eg: not at mealtimes;
- Spend the time with our kids and other people without distraction. Take an interest in people and do activities together; and
- Give our full attention when in conversation, focus on listening and be interested in others.
Children learn by watching us, and if we want them to have a healthy relationship with their phones, we must set a good example. If we are constantly glued to our screens, checking emails or social media, we can’t expect our children to behave any differently. By really being present, we show that real life relationships matter more than notifications.
By really being present, we show that real life relationships matter more than notifications.
Preparing young people for the future
The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, with technology shaping the way we live, learn and work. AI, virtual reality and automation are transforming industries and the skills young people need today will look very different in just a few years.
According to research, 65% of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that don’t exist at the moment. This rapid changing world means rather than resisting technology, we must equip young people with the ability to adapt, think critically and use digital tools effectively. We need to teach them to navigate the online world responsibly – understanding privacy, digital footprints and the power of personal branding. The future is where technology is – not just an option but a necessity.
Rather than fearing technology, we must embrace mobile phones in the classroom. The answer is not restriction but education so we prepare students for university life and beyond to excel in their future careers and relationships. I believe as a summer camp we should be a place where young people learn to manage their screen time, explore and use technology, while enjoying real-world experiences and have an adventure and fun. We need to be interested, educate ourselves so we understand technology, and give guidance and support.
Helen Lami is a trailblazer in British summer school education and CEO of Academic Summer Ltd, founded in 2008. Renowned for its innovative approach, the organisation offers students from around the world a transformative educational experience.
