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From FOMO to Focus

How schools are responding and adapting to phones in the classroom

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December 18, 2024

(CR News) - You get an alert on your phone, maybe someone liked your latest post, so you check it. Then you notice your favorite influencer posted a new video, so you click. Then before you know it, when you put your phone down you realize you missed the whole lecture your teacher was giving. Smartphone usage in class has been a disputed topic ever since their use became so widespread, and the Vancouver Public School district is no exception.

The Vancouver School of Arts and Academics has already implemented a new policy this fall, students’ phones are locked away in numbered pouches, which are only unlocked at the end of class. Now administrators are deciding what direction to take River – and the rest of the district.

Smartphones have transformed the way we communicate, learn, and entertain ourselves. In a CR News exclusive, Dr. Snell shares his perspective, saying that the issue affects “not just students, but we’re all maybe on our phones a little bit too much.”

-------- WATCH: CR News takes a look at other school's new cell phone policies

Smartphone and social media use is compulsive, and the constant buzz of notifications keeps people clicking. This has created a sense of dependency on phones as a source of entertainment and fulfillment—which takes a toll on the users mental health, even more so for youth.

The excessive use of phones, which is now a common practice, can lead to higher levels of anxiety, worsened sleep, and lack of focus.

Dr. Snell feels that “this immediacy of being present on your social media account or whatever that persona of you is out there, and maintaining that – that’s a lot of pressure.”

FOMO (or fear of missing out) is a common feeling among teens that is only amplified by social media. Apps such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow users to only post the very best of themselves, which other users compare themselves to. Subsequently, this creates a sense of urgency to ‘catch-up’ or fit in with their peers. The end result: instead of focusing in class, students keep clicking.

-------- WATCH: Examining social media's "FOMO" impact on students

Mixed opinions have been reported from staff, students, and families. Many parents worry about their students being able to contact them in emergency situations. Some students share similar doubts.

To any of these students worried about their phones being ‘taken away’, Dr. Snell advises students to “talk with staff and administrators about the ‘why’ behind their worries.” He believes that “if we can take a step back and talk about the why [we’re concerned], sometimes it’s not even the actual problem, sometimes there’s actually a resolution outside that problem.”

Addressing the discussion on how the district will move forward, Dr. Snell emphasizes that the district isn’t trying to ‘take away’ phones, but rather regulate them to ensure that students can truly focus in class. He adds “it’s really an agreement with students, staff [and] families about what are the expectations.”

Snell wants “to make sure that students have whatever they need to be successful in class,” but he also emphasized the importance of student mental health, assuring students that no matter the decision, “it’s coming out of a place of love,” and to him, “[getting] to that point where there’s a shared understanding [is] really important.” So, will River’s policy remain ‘off and away’, or will we pick up some stricter guidelines?