Digital discipline: Managing phones and social media for academic success

One of the challenges students face in this digital era is the discipline to control the use of social media and mobile devices. Many fail to combine their studies effectively while enjoying social and entertaining content on social media.

It is true that while technology provides access to academic information, it is also a primary source of distraction. Digital discipline refers to the ability to consciously manage one’s precious time from mobile devices and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, LinkedIn, TikTok and Facebook. Below are the points for achieving digital discipline.

First, awareness of usage patterns is one of the surest ways of achieving digital discipline. It is an undeniable fact that many students do not value time. They fail to see how valuable time is. Some students never know how time flies so easily. They would rather spend time scrolling through social media networks. Awareness creates accountability, and this is the first step of overcoming digital indiscipline.

Second, set clear boundaries for device use. The learner must try very hard to set clear boundaries on using the device for a stipulated time. Without setting limits, the learner cannot fully control their phone usage. They are likely to visit social media platforms to view content that may not be linked to their studies, but may still be relevant. Understanding the use of applications that limit screen time, like Focus@Will, can be of immense help to students stay disciplined while providing gentle reminders to stay on task.

Third, the learner must prioritize tasks over digital enjoyment. When one wakes up early in the morning, they must first plan how they will spend their time. They must focus on productive activities rather than entertainment. The learner can decide to visit the library to read books or start writing and reviewing academic works.

Furthermore, one can avoid social media distraction by creating a safe study environment. This method is an effective strategy for beating the pitfalls associated with addictive social media. The environment one finds themselves in is very crucial, as distractions will undermine the progress of the learner.

Again, the learner must practice self-reflection and consistency. The learner must consciously review how resourceful they have been with their time. In other words, they must review how well they managed their phones and make periodic visits to social media. It is essential for the learner to carefully brainstorm and come up with triggers that reduce unnecessary phone usage and develop robust strategies to help them surmount this challenge. With time, these small but relatively important changes can help the learner become academically productive by reducing stress.

In conclusion, mastering digital discipline is key to academic success. Without discipline, the learner cannot achieve their goals, in both the short and long term. There is, therefore, a price to be paid if one desires to become an astute learner. One such price is to become disciplined by limiting phone and social media use.

The writer, Isaac Nyarko Antwi, is a teacher with the Ghana Education Service (GES).