Teens are not just taking quick looks at their phones during class; they’re actually spending an average of 1.5 hours on them every school day. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that about 25% of students use their phones for more than two hours while at school.
This heavy phone use, especially for social media and messaging apps, raises concerns about distractions, lost learning, and whether schools should have stricter rules.
The study’s lead author, Lauren Hale, a professor at Stony Brook University, noted that there hasn’t been much research on this topic. She mentioned that previous studies, like one tracking Android device users, showed students spent only 43 minutes on their phones during school. This new study shows a significant increase.
The research used an app to track phone usage on both Android and iOS devices. While some students used their phones for schoolwork or research, many were drawn to entertainment and social media like Instagram and TikTok, which distracted them during school hours.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn’t set specific screen time limits for teens but encourages parents to guide them in using their devices responsibly. Dr. Hansa Bhargava, a pediatrician, highlighted that the study emphasizes the importance of not just how much time is spent on phones, but also what content is being consumed.
Hale pointed out that smartphones are a big part of teens’ lives, affecting students of all backgrounds. The key challenge now is to find a balance that supports a healthy learning environment both in and out of the classroom. She believes that school time is valuable and should focus on learning, socializing, and enjoying activities, rather than being spent on phones.
