UK Schools to Ban Mobile Phones: Boost for Teachers, Attention, and Socialization

The UK’s ringing the bell on classroom distractions. In an effort to boost focus and behavior, mobile phones are getting the boot from all schools in England.

“They are a distraction, at best,” he told the Guardian, “and we are giving schools the tools they need to create calm, orderly environments where learning can thrive.” No more sneaky texts under desks or scrolling through lectures. Here are the four options on “phone parking” in schools under the plan:

1. Leave it at home: Pack your bags, but don’t include the phones. 

2. Lock it up: Phones are checked in and stay there all day, only to be returned when the day is over. 

3. Silent storage: Electronic devices are left in a secure location away from the view of participants and without

4. Pockets with limits: Keep your phone, but use it at your own peril (and face detention!).

That doesn’t only mean learning is boosted, but personal interaction and good habits in social interaction are promoted. Critics say individual schools should be allowed to decide but the government sees this as a move on a national level toward a distraction-free learning zone.

Whether silent phones will ring a brighter future for education remains to be seen, but UK classrooms are in for a whole lot of quiet.