STUDENT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY AND WEARABLE DEVICE USE AT ST JOHN'S

Often, we have students that question the approach to mobile and wearable technologies here at St John’s. To support both our students and you as their parents, I would like to clarify the approach we use here at school is to educate the appropriate use of devices and when it is appropriate for its use. Students are not permitted to use their mobile or wearable devices while at school after the morning bell at 8:30am until after the final bell at 2:55pm. There are some exceptions, these are at the discretion of the classroom teacher, examples may include senior study as a tool to block out distracting noise/chatter or using a light intensity or noise level app in science lessons. The key difference here is teacher direction where permission is always sought by the student, rather than student preference because they presume a personal benefit. At St John’s we are noticing a few problematic trends emerging in our student population, mobile phone cloned or mirrored to their laptop, use of spotify app so that earbuds are in students ears continually until challenged (you may notice this at home also). It is an expectation that students do not make phone calls or the messaging app during the school day, instead use the school processes to communicate through the school admin office, ensuring that pastoral supports can utilised.

I have provided a summary of a NSW state government funded review into the non-educational use of mobile technology (link to this online review), with a particular focus on non-directed listening to music in the classroom and/or during lunch and recess breaks.

Why High School Students Should Not Listen to Music in Class (with Expert Opinions)

While many students claim that listening to music helps them concentrate during class, the negative impacts on focus, classroom dynamics, and social interactions are far-reaching. In addition to these concerns, leading youth psychologists, such as Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, warn about the broader psychological and developmental effects of allowing students to listen to music in class. Here are key reasons why high school students should not be permitted to do so, supported by expert insights.

1.     Music Divides Attention and Reduces Academic Focus
Listening to music during class divides students' attention, reducing their ability to fully engage with academic material. Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, a renowned Australian adolescent psychologist, emphasizes that the brain is not designed to multitask effectively, especially in a learning environment. According to Carr-Gregg, “students are fooling themselves if they think they can learn properly while listening to music,” as music processing competes for cognitive resources that are needed to absorb and understand complex information. This divided focus can lead to misunderstandings, missed instructions, and ultimately poorer academic performance.

2.     Negative Impact on Peer Interaction and Classroom Engagement
A classroom is a social learning environment where students are expected to engage with peers and teachers. Carr-Gregg highlights that listening to music can isolate students from their surroundings, reducing their ability to connect with others. Youth development heavily relies on communication and collaboration, and when students are plugged into their music, they disengage from these critical interactions. “High school is not just about academic learning, but also about developing social and emotional skills,” says Carr-Gregg. Constant use of music in class hinders this growth, limiting opportunities for teamwork and meaningful peer conversations.

3.     Encourages Technology Misuse
Allowing students to listen to music opens the door for the misuse of technology. Many students admit to using their mobile devices not just for music but for activities such as texting, social media, and gaming during class. Carr-Gregg has repeatedly voiced concerns about the increasing dependency on smartphones among young people, stating that it negatively impacts their ability to concentrate and develop healthy study habits. "Students are so tethered to their phones that they struggle to focus without them," Carr-Gregg explains. This dependence on technology often results in a lack of attention to schoolwork and greater classroom disruptions.

4.     Stifles Emotional and Mental Development
Dr. Carr-Gregg also warns about the long-term impact of constant stimulation from technology, including music, on the mental health of adolescents. He explains that students who use music as a crutch to deal with boredom or stressful situations are not learning critical coping mechanisms. Instead of developing resilience and self-discipline, they rely on external stimuli to manage their emotions. "Resilience comes from learning to cope without constant distractions," Carr-Gregg notes, adding that high school students need to develop mental toughness and emotional regulation, skills that are crucial for adulthood. Listening to music during challenging or "boring" lessons may prevent them from acquiring these important life skills.

5.     Detracts from Physical and Social Well-being
In addition to its impact on learning, excessive use of music and smartphones during breaks or recess also limits physical and social activities. Carr-Gregg argues that adolescence is a time when social connections and physical activity are essential for healthy development. Students who retreat to their phones and music during breaks may miss out on important face-to-face interactions and opportunities for exercise, which can affect both their mental and physical well-being. "These are critical years for building social skills and maintaining a healthy lifestyle," Carr-Gregg emphasizes, underscoring the need for students to engage with their peers rather than isolating themselves through devices.

6.     The False Sense of Productivity
While students often argue that music helps them focus, Carr-Gregg points to research showing that the so-called “music effect” is often a placebo. According to him, “students may feel like they’re more productive, but in reality, music, especially music with lyrics, can reduce their ability to concentrate on tasks requiring deep thought.” This false sense of productivity may lead students to believe they are performing better academically than they actually are, hindering their motivation to improve study habits or engage fully in the class.

In conclusion, while some students with specific needs, may benefit from listening to music to focus in specific circumstances, experts like Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg caution against generalizing these benefits for the entire classroom. The detrimental effects on focus, social skills, emotional development, and the increased risk of technology misuse far outweigh the perceived advantages. High school is a formative time, and it is critical that students cultivate healthy habits that prioritize engagement, resilience, and real-world interactions over distractions like music.

Mr Charlie Coulson - Knight

Acting Pastoral Care Coordinator