Mobile Phone Use At Motorvation Training
In Feb 2024, The UK government issued guidleines on students using a mobile phone within an educational enviornment. It is a proven fact that mobile phones are a distraction to the learner as well as a distraction to others within the class, hence why we now have a policy in place to solve the distraction. The information below assisted us in formulating our Mobile Phone Policy.
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Since Feb 2024, Motorvation Training have been carrying out observations of learners, and their use of mobile phones within the classroom and outside of the classroom. We have found that mobile phones are addictive to learners, they interfer with learner focus, they create FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and this has led to a phenomenom which has been called Problemtic Mobile Phone Usage or PMPU. The link below is pointed at a study into PMPU and FOMO.
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https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-023-01481-z#Sec16
PMPU Impacts Time Management: Excessive phone use is linked to poor time management skills, including difficulty prioritising and staying organized. PMPU worsens sleep quality, which, in turn, hampers time management and affects the ability to adapt and think creatively. PMPU affects sleep, which impacts cognitive flexibility, ultimately leading to weaker time management.
Why Does This Matter?
Phone usage can disturb circadian rhythms, affecting both mental sharpness and productivity. Smartphones can distract users, reducing their ability to shift focus effectively—a key skill in managing time, but also a need when relating to Health and Safety. PMPU and poor time management feed into each other, creating a cycle that worsens over time.
PMPU diminishes time management through its effects on sleep, cognitive flexibility and focus. Addressing these mediators could help students achieve better academic and personal outcomes.