See tips on how to avoid getting distracted by your smartphone. Understand how this affects your studies.
Studying with your phone nearby can be a difficult task for people who are easily distracted. People who use their phones in their study area often have trouble managing their time and resisting urges like checking social media. Fortunately, some of the tools built into your phone can help you create an environment with fewer distractions and more productivity and learning.
For this reason, many Brazilian schools are banning smartphones from classrooms or restricting their use. The United Nations (UN) has already recommended banning the use of smartphones in schools. The recommendation was made in UNESCO's latest report on the subject. The aim of this measure is to eliminate distractions caused by devices, improve the quality of education and protect children from cyberbullying.
Risks of cell phone addiction
According to a UNESCO report, there is evidence that the overuse smartphone use by children is associated with lower academic performance and problems related to emotional well-being.
The main problems caused by smartphones are: Distractions; Disruption of concentration and learning rhythm; Deterioration of learning quality and Issues related to emotional stability.
Tips to improve your relationship with your cell phone and your studies
So, here are some tips for having a healthier relationship with your device, especially when studying.
Turn off notifications
If you're the type of person who can't resist message notifications or keeps checking profiles for the latest news from your favorite reality show, it's important to turn them off.
There are people who cannot ignore conversations in groups or messages on social media and end up diverting their attention to another subject that has nothing to do with what they should be doing.
Silent mode
Many devices have a “do not disturb,” “sleep,” or “silent” mode. This is the easiest way to avoid seeing what you’re doing on the wonderful world of social media. If you use your computer to study, turning off your phone is also a good long-term measure.
Set goals and objectives
If you’re studying at home, complete your goal within a set time frame. Set aside time away from your device, such as a few hours a day without checking your phone. This will motivate you to avoid distractions. A few seconds a day without replying to messages, liking, or posting photos or content won’t hurt your life.
In case you are using the cell phone at school or college, leave your device in your bag during class and only pick it up during breaks, this way you can satisfy your cravings without disrupting your learning.
Define your study plan
A schedule to follow is a great motivator. One tip is to set aside a specific time for studying. This could be a calendar posted on a board in your room, a reminder on your phone, or just a post-it note stuck on the wall. The most important thing is to create a routine. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t stick to it one day. Continue your normal schedule the next day. Over time, students will be able to incorporate a schedule into their daily lives without making any major sacrifices.
Take a break
Both at school and at home, breaks are important. Set aside time to relax. In the classroom, you can check your phone during breaks or lunch. At home, you can take breaks every hour to check your messages.
