As UNESCO calls for ban on smartphone usage in schools, experts explain the detrimental impact of the device

The UN’s education, science, and culture agency, UNESCO, has said that smartphones should be banned from schools. The UN body's statement hints to tackle classroom disruption and change the growing acceptance of digital education as a replacement for face to face teaching-learning process.

Warning the policymakers on the rising global attention on digital learning methods, UNESCO has said that, “not all change constitutes progress. Just because something can be done does not mean it should be done.” It has urged policymakers to focus on the social dimension of education.

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As per a survey done by Ankura Hospitals, on 186 kids, 100% of children in the age groups of 3-5 years, 6-10 years, and 11-15 years were found to be using electronic devices exceeding permissible limits. "It was revealed that children spend a considerable amount of time playing games or studying on electronic devices that far exceeded the recommended duration. Among children aged 3-5 years, 54% were found to engage in electronic studying, while for the age groups of 6-10 years and 11-15 years, the percentages were 48% and 39% respectively. Constant distractions from notifications, social media, and entertainment content hinder information processing, retention, and comprehension," the survey done by the Pune-based hospital found.

Several countries have already worked on restricting the use of smartphones in schools. While France has already introduced a policy regarding this in 2018, the Netherlands is likely to impose curbs in 2024. "Students need to be able to concentrate and need to be given the opportunity to study well. Mobile phones are a disturbance, scientific research shows. We need to protect students against this,” Dutch education minister, Robbert Dijkgraaf told the media.


The UK government had called for a ban on mobile phones to crack down on reducing student discipline.

"Excessive screen time creates a lot of issues like vision problems, eye irritation, and burning sensation in the eyes. Hyperactivity is another long-term complication of excessive screen time," explains Dr. Sayed Mujahid Husain, Paediatrician and Co-Founder of Hungry Koala. "Children who are exposed to screen time for longer duration become restless, show signs of anxiety and have concentration problems, are unable to focus and are very restless. Such children have memory-related problems too. There are indications of selective memory wherein things seen on TV or mobile are remembered but important things that are read or heard in the classroom are forgotten," he adds.

Several studies have worked and elucidated how screen time affects nutrition balance in kids. Experts have highlighted the link between unhealthy eating, obesity, and excessive screen time in kids. Due to the constant attention, they give to playing or watching videos, they often miss eating. Mindless eating or eating just to fill the stomach affects the nutrition composition in kids.


Deprived sleep is another reason why screen time should be cut down as the blue light emitted by screens interfere with the natural production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

"Engaging in hobbies, sports, and creative activities can help children develop a well-rounded lifestyle and reduce their dependence on screens. He highlighted that excessive device usage can result in several health issues such as obesity, inadequate sleep, eye fatigue, reduced physical activity, and hindered social growth," says Dr. Abhimanyu Sengupta, Senior Consultant Paediatrician at Ankura Hospitals stressing on the significance of restricting screen time for children and the need to encourage physical activity, outdoor play, and face-to-face interactions as alternatives to screen time.

Dr Siddharth Madabhushi, Consultant Paediatrician at Ankura Hospitals urges parents to designate specific areas or times in the home where screens are not allowed, such as bedrooms or mealtimes. These restrictions can foster better sleep hygiene, family bonding, and healthier eating habits. By fostering a healthy relationship with technology and implementing responsible device usage, we can ensure that our children grow up to be well-rounded individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world while maintaining their overall well-being.