Hallways humming energy, and the familiar rhythm of school life picks up once again as backpacks are slung over chairs. But among pencils, planners, and Chromebooks, there is the one item that never leaves a student’s side: their cell phone. As classrooms grow more digitally equipped, the line between helpful tech and harmful distraction is becoming harder to draw. Now more than ever, schools are challenged to rethink when it’s time for students to be online, and when it’s time to simply be present.
Chromebooks and learning apps have opened the doors to personalized learning, instant research, and better collaboration. But while schools have embraced the structured technology for instruction, many are still struggling with the growing impact of smartphones.
These phones allow students to stay connected to friends, and capture school memories (and send alerts when there is a school emergency). But they also enable constant scrolling, gaming, texting, and social media use, often in the middle of lessons or even conversations. The result? Shortened attention spans, stunted social interactions, and a dependency on constant stimulation.
It is no secret that the attention spans of our children are shrinking. Studies suggest the average attention span of teens has dropped significantly over the past decade (What's Happening to Our Focus?). In classrooms, this translates to students who may be physically present but mentally elsewhere – refreshing Tik Tok feeds, checking messages, or reacting to group chats under the desk.
This is not only rude; it’s disrespectful to teachers and classmates who are trying to focus. This is where etiquette comes in. When a student pulls out a phone during a group discussion or scrolls through Instagram while a classmate presents, it sends a clear message: “What’s happening her is of no interest to me.”
Ironically, in a time when young people are more digitally connected than ever, many report feeling more socially isolated. Lunch periods once filled with face-to-face chatter are now quieted by students hunched over on their screens. Even group projects sometimes fall victim to the silence, as team members retreat to their phones rather than communicate.
Social Skills are learned behaviors. They need practice, and live feedback to grow. Making eye contact, or asking follow-up questions, can’t be learned from behind a screen. These moments of human interaction are essential for building empathy, confidence, and emotional intelligence.
When we encourage students to engage in regular digital detoxes, academic focus is protected and space for social growth takes place. Technology is not being banned, students would be learning when to disconnect and tune into the moment.
A digital detox means creating intentional breaks from unnecessary screen time to reset the brain, restore focus, and reconnect with the present. In a school setting, this can be as simple as:
These changes promote a culture of presence. When students take part in these habits together, it reinforces the idea that it’s okay to unplug.
Teaching students digital etiquette helps them understand that being polite in the digital age includes:
Find more tips in my 101Quick Tips for Students.
Digital etiquette is about professionalism and maturity. It is not punishment. The habits students form will carry over int college, the workplace, and beyond.
Educators and parents especially play a vital role in shaping a healthy digital culture. Instead of framing phone restrictions as discipline, help students see that boundaries with technology are not limitations; they are lifelines.
As students get back into the rhythm of school, it is an exciting time to reset digital habits, and revisit what it means to show respect and presence in a shared space. Cell phones ae not going away, but neither is the importance of paying attention, building friendships, and learning with intention.
Let us make this school year, not only about academic success but about reestablishing the kind of etiquette that keeps classrooms thoughtful and choose presence over distractions.