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Study Skills: Device Distractions

Study Skills

Device Distractions

 

What does being 'Device Distracted' do to our brains?

Just having a smartphone in sight...not even using it!....takes up precious brain space and can effect our memory and intelligence.

Research has shown the more the students loved or needed their phones, the more they were distracted by them.. Smartphones occupy in our lives what's called a "privileged attentional space", similar to how our brains perceive the sound of our own names being called out. You know the feeling of being involved in something and hearing your name called out or someone talking about you? Well, that's similar to how your phone-within-eye-shot is calling out to you!

To Get It Done Right, Focus On The Task At Hand With Your Phone Safely Tucked Away in Another Room!

Stop Device Distraction

Top Tips to Stop Device Distraction!

  • A digital detox can give you great perspective and relax your mind. Whether it's hourly, daily, or weekly, get into a rhythm of unplugging and reconnecting with your heart.  
  • Are all of those notifications necessary? Try turning off as many notifications as possible and only keep the ones that are truly necessary to see in the moment. 
  • Take away those distracting colours away on your phone by going grey scale. See the video on this page for how to do this.
  • Delete unnecessary apps
  • Use an analog (old fashioned!) alarm clock if the first thing you do every morning is pick up your phone.

Greyscale

Device Distractions

 

The Benefits of Being Less Distracted: 

  • Get more done and more productive
  • Be happier at school...and in life!
  • Be more motivated to do your best
  • Be more confident in your ability to do well
  • Deliver a higher quality of work

Device Statistics

Some statistics about Australian children & teens and mobile devices:

  • 80% of children between 5 -17 own a screen-based device and, on average, have three different digital devices
  • 90% of parents feel digital technologies make it easier to stay in touch with family and friends
  • 84% of Australian teachers observed students being distracted by digital media and technologies
  • 72% of parents said they recognise their own digital habits influence those of their children

- from University of NSW's 2020 study: Growing Up Digital Australia.