A Tale of Two Schools: Potential Policy Impacts on Teen Smartphone Usage

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Youth and Technology: Literacies and Policies

Abstract

As smartphones become integral in teenage life, parents, teachers, and administrators are debating policies on student smartphone use at school. Understanding teens’ relationships with their smartphones is essential in determining smartphone policies that effectively support learning engagement, but few studies have investigated teen usage habits. This study explores teen smartphone usage in two schools: one that bans student smartphones, and another that encourages smartphone use. We ask: How do school policies on allowing student smartphones in the classroom impact teens’ smartphone usage? 38 middle school students completed the Smartphone Usage Introspection Survey and shared records of their smartphone usage. Findings provide insights into teen smartphone usage patterns, and can inform development of school policies on student smartphone usage at school.

Authors

• Deborah Cockerham, University of North Texas

• Lin Lin, University of North Texas

• Tandra Lea Tyler-Wood, University of North Texas