An international study conducted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen revealed that keeping smartphones out of classrooms may contribute to improving students' academic performance and raising their grade averages.
The study included 16,683 students from 10 universities in the Indian state of Odisha, where participants were divided into two groups; members of the first group handed in their phones before lectures began, while members of the second group kept their phones with them during classes.
The researchers tracked the students' grades and attendance rates throughout the semester, in addition to conducting surveys and observations inside educational halls.
The results showed that students who attended classes free of mobile phones achieved higher grade averages, with an improvement equivalent to 0.073 standard deviations—an effect comparable to that achieved by some educational methods used to enhance learning.
Researchers suggest that minor interruptions, such as a phone vibrating, notifications arriving, or checking the screen, may distract students and affect their ability to focus and absorb information.
Andreas Bjerre-Nielsen, an associate professor at the university, explained that the study provides extensive empirical evidence on the impact of phone absence in the classroom environment, pointing out that the improvement was more pronounced among students with lower academic performance, which may make limiting phone use a means to help reduce educational gaps.
Researchers also noted that students in phone-free classes were more disciplined and less preoccupied with side conversations unrelated to their studies.
Bjerre-Nielsen emphasized that students' realization of the practical benefits of staying away from phones is linked to improved attitudes and adherence to rules, which reinforces the importance of creating an educational environment with fewer distractions.
