A PUPIL PERSPECTIVE ON THE IMPACT OF A MOBILE PHONE BAN IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL

The use of mobile phones in schools is a widespread concern. In Sweden, mobile phones are the most widespread technology in use among secondary school pupils. Questions are raised about banning pupils to actively use mobile phones in school. A common reason to promote a ban is that mobile phones can interfere with pupil's concentration and have a negative influence on the study environment. This case study addresses the role of mobile phones in school from the perspective of the pupils: What are their perceptions of mobile phone use during class in a school with a mobile phone ban? The data consist of focus group interviews, with a totally 14 pupils, 12-14 years old. The results indicate that the pupils' mobile phones are present during class regardless of the mobile phone ban. Their reason to use mobile phones despite the mobile phone ban, was mainly because they perceived the teaching as boring. Teachers also had a diverse approach towards the ban, where some of the teachers allowed the pupils to use the mobile phone for school work. On those occasions, the use was mainly school-related. The pupils' narratives indicate that a mobile phone ban in school could be questioned. Instead of teachers ensuring a mobile phone ban, teachers could have an important role in guiding pupils towards appropriate mobile phone use during class.