Become a better student · Module 2: Body and brain
Phones and attention
Even a silent phone on the desk takes some of your attention. Out of sight really is better.
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Key takeaways
- Having your phone nearby, even face down and silent, can reduce available attention.
- Studies of school phone bans found improved test scores, especially for lower-attaining students.
- Put the phone in another room during revision blocks.
- Use phone time as the reward at the end of a block, not a break in the middle.
1. The “brain drain” effect
In a series of experiments, adults did attention and memory tasks with their phone either on the desk, in their pocket or bag, or in another room. Those with the phone in another room did best, even though phones were silent and face down.[1]
The researchers suggest that part of our attention is used up resisting the pull of the phone.
2. What school bans showed
A study of schools in four English cities found that test scores improved after schools banned mobile phones, with the biggest gains for the lowest-attaining students.[2]
Willpower is limited. Distance is free.
3. Rules that work
Another room
During revision, the phone lives in a different room, not just face down.
Notifications off
Turn off non-essential notifications, or use focus mode, during study time.
Earn it
Check the phone at the end of a block as a reward, not in the middle.
4. If you need it to study
If revision apps or videos are on the phone, decide in advance exactly what you’ll use it for, and close everything else first. A laptop with only the study tab open is usually easier.
For parents: Agree a family rule rather than a punishment: everyone’s phones charge in the kitchen during homework time.
Try it now
Test yourself on this page
Answer in your head first, then check.
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1. In the “brain drain” studies, where did the phone need to be for the best performance?
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2. Who benefited most from school phone bans?
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3. When should you check your phone during revision?
Your next steps
- Put your phone in another room for your next revision block.
- Turn off non-essential notifications.
- Agree a phone rule with your family for homework time.
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Sources
- Ward, A. F., Duke, K., Gneezy, A. and Bos, M. W. (2017). Brain drain: the mere presence of one’s own smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 2(2), 140–154. doi:10.1086/691462
- Beland, L.-P. and Murphy, R. (2016). Ill communication: technology, distraction and student performance. Labour Economics, 41, 61–76. doi:10.1016/j.labeco.2016.04.004
This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.