Three different roles, five different aspects: Differences and similarities in viewing school mobile phone policies among teachers, parents, and students

The purpose of this study was to explore perceived differences in mobile phone policies among three different groups: teachers, parents, and students, from five different aspects: policy impact, decision, policy implementation, policy assessment, and policy improvement. This study surveyed 1226 elementary, middle and high school teachers, parents, and students in China with a 25-items questionnaire. Significant differences in teachers', parents', and students' responses were found in (1) what motivated students to use mobile phones, (2) whether mobile phone use should be banned, (3) whether mobile phone policies were effective, and (4) how to improve the policies. However, the teachers, parents, and students shared similar views that (1) students should not be allowed to use mobile phones during classes and exams, (2) the current mobile phone policies had a rather low level of effectiveness, and (3) the mobile phone policies should be implemented better. Significance and implications of the findings are discussed.