How many days could you go without using a smartphone? For most people, even a  couple hours is almost impossible. Social media, quick communication, and astonishing camera quality have become a necessity within our culture. As of 2015, 98% of teenagers in the US own a smartphone, according to Pew Research Center.

Whether we like to admit it or not, teens are constantly being distracted by smartphones. A simple “bing” from the side of your desk can easily turn into a thirty-minute conversation. According to The Washington Post, the farther away the phone, the more productive students tend to be. Of course, this doesn’t mean that smartphones aren’t helpful at all. Apps like Quizlet and Google Drive enhance student performance as well as provide an easier way to do homework and study. Students also have easy access to Youtube videos so they can understand a challenging topic by watching in-depth lessons and discussions. But, regardless of the benefits, any homework app on your phone can be interrupted by a social media notification or a text.

Researchers at the University of Texas and Louisiana State University have studied students’ test scores in relation to their cell phones and their results aren’t surprising. Schools that ban cell phones have a 6% increase in test scores and students who leave their cellphones at home also show an increase in test scores. But despite all the evidence, students (including myself) still bring their phones to school. Banning cell phones from schools is a controversial issue, and discussions have been going on for a while. Most schools have dropped the ban on cell phones because of after-school activities, emergencies, and sporting events, which are the main reasons why students bring their phones to class. Phones are so advanced nowadays that students can contact a friend or family member with a few taps on the screen.

Smartphones are an integral part of American culture, especially for high school students. While it may hurt to leave that device at home, shutting it down for the whole day will lead to more focus in the classroom. Regarding homework, checking your smartphone may be tempting, so the best solution would be to put it far away as possible–even in another room! Who knows, maybe a little more focus can lead to that A you’ve been working for.