Students say checking their mobile phones at night is affecting their school work

Students believe that using their mobile device at night after going to bed is affecting their school work, according to new research conducted by the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) in partnership with Digital Awareness UK (DAUK).

The survey of 2,750 pupils aged 11-18 found that 45 per cent of students admit to checking their mobile device after going to bed, of which 68 per cent said they think it is affecting their school work and 25 per cent said they felt tired during the day because of how often they checked their mobile device at night.

94 per cent of respondents said they use their mobile device to go on social media, while 85 per cent said they listen to music and 57 per cent watch films.

38 per cent of students said they’d be curious to know what was happening if they didn’t check their mobile device before going to sleep, with 23 per cent of students saying they check their mobile more than 10 times a night and 25 per cent spending more than an hour on their mobile device after going to bed.

Mike Buchanan, chair of HMC said: “As teachers we are seeing the effects of device use every day. Mirroring adults, pupils are constantly using their phones, quite often for productive purposes. However if they are not socialising with each other, or are tired for lessons and not concentrating, we need to address that.

“Teachers, parents and indeed most adults are trying to get to grips with the new realities heralded by the increased use social media. HMC is committed to finding out more about how this affects pupils in all schools and use that knowledge to inform sensible and sympathetic policies.

“Schools will make their own minds up about the extent to which phones and other devices should be used in schools. However, we want to start a new conversation with parents about how to influence teenagers’ responsible use of phones and other devices both at home and at school.”

DAUK’s Charlotte Robertson said: “Students often tell us that they are exhausted due to the fact their mobile devices are flashing, buzzing and pinging throughout the night telling them what they’ve been tagged in, invited to or who’s messaged them.

“Our research has found that almost half (42 per cent) of students keep their mobile devices next to their bed at night, so it’s not surprising that technology can be such a barrier to proper sleep. This is why it’s invaluable for schools to be working with parents in educating students about the impact technology can have on physical and emotional wellbeing.”