In terms of the benefits, several studies suggest that mobile phones can in fact enhance classroom engagement. Notifications, social media and gaming can all divert students’ attention from classroom activities. In a recent poll, 72 per cent reported that mobile phones significantly distract students, reducing participation in discussions. On balance then, it is not mobile phones themselves that reduce attention, participation and motivation but their misuse. A ban is obviously easier, but this misses the opportunity to teach students about responsible mobile phone use and to support them to develop important self-regulation skills.