Phones Down: The Negative Effects of the Internet on Student Learning
In the early days of the internet, it was widely seen as a gateway to opportunity. Many believed that the wealth of information available at the click of a button would enhance student learning. However, reality has not lived up to those expectations. A growing body of evidence shows that as students become more connected to the internet, they learn less, especially when their connectivity is facilitated through smartphones.
A recent study by Ronak Jain and Samuel Stemper offers compelling new evidence on this issue. Drawing on data from over 2.5 million student test scores across 82 countries, the researchers examine how the rollout of 3G internet affected educational outcomes. Because 3G technology was introduced unevenly across regions, it created a natural experiment; it was available to some students before others based on where they lived. This variation allows Jain and Stemper to isolate the causal impact of 3G technology on student performance.
Importantly, the rollout of 3G was not just about internet access—it was also about mobile internet access. It facilitated the rise of smartphones and data-intensive social media and gaming applications. Correspondingly, Jain and Stemper show that the spread of 3G internet increased student access to smartphones, in addition to overall internet use.
The research shows exposure to 3G networks caused significantly lower test scores in math, reading, and science. Students also reported greater difficulty making friends and a weaker sense of belonging. For many parents and educators, these results likely confirm what they already know, or at least strongly suspect: smartphones and the constant connectivity they allow are taking a toll on both the academic performance and well-being of our children.
Fortunately, there are steps we can take to address this problem. One straightforward policy with growing support is to ban smartphones in schools. Several states have already passed statewide bans, but even in the absence of a statewide ban in Missouri, local officials in school districts can enact bans on their own. Available research suggests the stricter the phone policy, the better.
