Forced Collection Due to Youth SNS Addiction Issues
Decrease in Student Arguments and Conflicts, Increase in Direct Communication
Positive Changes Including More Interaction with Teachers
As social media (SNS) addiction among adolescents emerges as a social issue, some schools in the United States have begun forcibly collecting students' cell phones.
One-third of US Adolescents Warned of 'SNS Addiction'... Schools Implement 'Drastic Measures'
On the 1st, the US daily Washington Post (WP) reported, "Schools in states such as Connecticut, California, Indiana, and Pennsylvania are gradually implementing policies to collect students' cell phones." Students hand over their phones when they arrive at school and receive them back when they leave. The reason for this collection measure is that the US medical community and New York City health authorities have warned that "about one-third of American adolescents are effectively addicted to SNS."
Susan Lynn, a psychologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School, explained, "Cell phones are devices that at minimum become habits or, in the worst case, addictions," adding, "Cell phone addiction is highly correlated with depression and loneliness." Lynn then questioned, "Why allow students to use such cell phones at school?"
School Scenes Changed from 'Put Your Phones Away' to 'Good Morning'
Schools in the US that have implemented this policy have self-assessed that it has brought positive changes. Initially, students resisted the school's measures, and some even showed signs of crying or anxiety, but students quickly adapted to the changed environment. As a result, students have become more focused on their classes. Additionally, conflicts among students have decreased. It was explained that aggressive exchanges over SNS content among students have disappeared. With increased direct communication, peer relationships have become smoother. More students are reportedly making efforts to make friends.
A middle school teacher told the media, "The scene during breaks has changed." The teacher explained that the image of students staring fixedly at their phone screens with their heads down has shifted to groups gathering and talking. Furthermore, as the act of sharing inappropriate images or videos with unspecified many via cell phones has disappeared, 'deviant behaviors' such as 'cigarette conspiracies' have also declined. Naturally, interactions between teachers and students have increased. Another teacher said, "The first thing we say to students when we meet them has changed from 'Put away your AirPods (wireless earphones connected to cell phones)' to 'Good morning.'"
Parents Can Contact Schools if Necessary; Measures Such as Installing Landline Phones in Classrooms
For 'emergency contact,' most classrooms have installed at least one landline phone inside. Also, parents can contact teachers anytime if necessary. The pouches for storing students' cell phones are usually locked but made of fabric, so in emergencies, they can be easily cut with scissors or similar tools. The school added that in cases such as shootings, quietly evacuating is safer than calling for help on a cell phone.
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