Reimagining edtech for the phone-free movement in K-12 schools
How edtechs can continue delivering value in schools that adopted phone bans
The debate over smartphones in K-12 classrooms is far from new. It has long divided those who argue that phones create distractions in learning environments from those who believe smartphones are essential tools to prepare students for the digital age. In late 2023, this debate intensified with the release of a global study linking classroom distractions directly to phone usage [1]. As a result, governments in several countries have introduced policies that restrict phone use in schools. In many cases, K-12 schools are either banning phones entirely or permitting them only in designated areas like common spaces or the library. Non-profit organizations have also rallied behind the push for phone-free schools, a movement supported by schools and families aiming to create phone-free zones to enhance student learning and well-being.
Proponents of these phone-free policies argue that banning phones reduces distractions, encourages in-person social interaction, and helps combat the mental health issues associated with excessive screen time. These advocates believe that by limiting phone use in classrooms, K-12 schools can better foster environments where students focus more on learning and on developing crucial social skills.
However, the other side of the argument is equally important. Advocates for technology in classrooms contend that restrictive phone policies aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Children are increasingly exposed to digital devices at younger ages [2], and many students in K-12 education have grown up in a world where smartphones are ubiquitous. Taking phones away in school might feel, to some students, like losing an essential part of their daily lives. This could even exacerbate existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Furthermore, these restrictive policies only apply during school hours, leaving students to use their devices freely at home. Without coordinated support from families, phone bans in schools may have limited impact. Some parents even expect to communicate with their children throughout the day, regardless of school policies.
Moreover, removing phones from classrooms could rob students of the chance to develop critical digital literacy skills. Without proper guidance, students may not learn how to use technology responsibly, understand its potential for personal growth, or develop the skills needed for future work and study.
Despite the relevance of these discussions, the edtech industry has been slow to engage with the phone-free movement. Many educational technology companies continue to promote products designed for use on smartphones or tablets, assuming that K-12 schools will either provide devices or allow students to bring their own. However, this assumption doesn’t always hold true—especially in schools with limited budgets. In underfunded schools, students often rely on their personal devices, which may not be optimized for educational purposes. These phones are typically filled with social media apps, games, and other distractions, creating an environment where learning apps compete for attention. As more schools and legislators enforce phone restrictions, edtech companies face the challenge of continuing to deliver value while working within these new limitations.
So, how can edtech providers continue to offer impactful learning solutions in K-12 classrooms that are moving toward phone bans?
One possibility is for edtech companies to partner with schools that have invested in dedicated educational technology. Schools that own and manage their own devices can ensure that students are using technology purely for academic purposes. For example, these schools might create computer labs where students can access devices exclusively for learning. This not only encourages social interaction during non-tech times but also minimizes screen time, which can positively impact students’ mental health [2]. Schools that manage their own technology ecosystems can also ensure compliance with privacy and security policies, choosing to work with edtech providers that align with their specific needs.
There are clear benefits for edtech companies to work with schools that control their own technology infrastructure. When students use dedicated learning devices—rather than their multipurpose smartphones—edtech companies can more accurately measure learning outcomes. Without the distractions of non-educational apps, companies can better gauge the efficacy of their solutions in a real-world environment and use this data to create better products.
However, not all schools have the resources to build and maintain their own technology systems. Many K-12 schools, particularly in rural or underserved areas, can’t afford to invest in school-wide device programs. Maintaining computers and other devices requires funding, trained specialists, and ongoing technical support. For these schools, creating an entirely internal tech ecosystem is an unrealistic goal, which leaves a significant portion of the student population without access to valuable learning tools.
A more inclusive solution is for edtech companies to continue developing tools that work across various devices but to collaborate more closely with schools to align their products with the curriculum. Instead of banning phones outright, K-12 schools could adopt restrictive phone policies that allow for the use of smartphones at specific times or in designated classes. For example, schools could implement policies that inform students and parents when phones are needed for educational purposes and ensure that devices are only brought to school on those days. In this way, schools would retain some control over phone use while still leveraging the benefits of educational technology. By establishing clear guidelines for when and how phones are used, schools could help students learn to balance screen time with other activities, leading to better focus, socialization, and overall learning.
These shifts in phone policy will also require changes in how edtech companies measure success. Traditional engagement metrics—such as the number of logins, clicks, or time spent on an app—are not always indicative of true learning. In fact, an overemphasis on engagement can distract from the primary goal: student achievement. Edtech companies should focus more on improving academic outcomes, such as test scores, or conducting controlled experiments that measure the real-world effectiveness of their products [3].
While the phone-free movement in K-12 schools may initially seem like a threat to the edtech industry, it also presents an opportunity for reflection and growth. Schools and parents are signaling a desire to rethink how and when phones are used in the classroom. This is a crucial moment for edtech companies to join the conversation. By working closely with schools, edtech providers can ensure that their tools are being used in ways that truly enhance learning, rather than adding to distractions. At the same time, these companies can help shape policies that integrate technology thoughtfully, giving students the digital skills they need while minimizing the negative effects of overuse.
Phone-free movements are unlikely to make edtech obsolete, but they do invite edtech companies to reconsider their role in K-12 education. Rather than focusing solely on technology use for technology's sake, edtech should emphasize aligning their products with educational goals, supporting student well-being, and measuring success in terms of real learning outcomes. By engaging in the broader discussion about the role of phones and screens in schools, edtech providers can continue to innovate in ways that benefit both teachers and students.
[1] UNESCO. Smarthphones in school? Only when they clearly support learning. <https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/smartphones-school-only-when-they-clearly-support-learning> Last accessed on: July 27, 2024. 14:01.
[2] Jonathan Haidt. The Anxious Generation. <https://jonathanhaidt.com/anxious-generation/> Last accessed on: July 31, 2024. 11:26.
[3] Khan Academy. New study finds every minute spent on Khan Academy can lead to learning gains. <https://blog.khanacademy.org/new-study-finds-every-minute-spent-on-khan-academy-can-lead-to-learning-gains/> Last accessed on: September 25, 22:05.