Daily Mobile Use in Class Harms Teen Math Scores: OECD Study

Teenagers' Daily Mobile Use in Class Linked to Poorer Math Scores: A 22-Country OECD Study Spain, May 25, 2025 – A new study spanning 22 OECD countries reveals a concerning trend: teenagers who use mobile phones or tablets daily in class show significantly worse results in mathematics. The research, which analyzed data from various educational systems, highlights the detrimental impact of excessive technology use on students' concentration and overall academic performance. The study's findings are particularly striking in Estonia, Finland, and Spain. "What seems to be happening is that using devices for diverse activities prevents students from focusing on the subject matter," explains Dr. [Name of Expert], an education specialist involved in the study. "This lack of focus translates to a performance equivalent to missing half a school year." Experts emphasize the importance of a balanced approach, warning against the wholesale replacement of traditional teaching methods with digital instruction. The study underscores the need for appropriate supervision, clear learning objectives, and effective pedagogical strategies when integrating technology into the classroom. The researchers suggest that the daily use of technology in the classroom should be moderated and accompanied by the teacher's support. The demand for jobs requiring mathematical knowledge is on the rise, making the findings of this study all the more critical. The study serves as a reminder of the importance of finding the right balance between technology and traditional teaching methods to ensure students receive a comprehensive and effective education.