Here's why simply banning cell phones in schools doesn't work, according to an expert

While the intention to counter cell phone addiction is laudable, the Quebec government's decision to simply ban cell phones in schools seems to demonstrate a lack of understanding of the problem, argues neuroscience and cyberpsychology expert Mélissa Canseliet.

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"We can see a clear signal and the recognition of a major problem [...] However, from a neuroscientific and psychopsychological point of view, this is not at all sufficient," she explained in an interview with TVA Midi.

"I also believe that this is the observation of a situation that we cannot control and that we absolutely must address," she added.

Addiction arises from behaviors that develop through repeating the same things to the point where they become essential.

However, the brain reaches maturity around the age of 20 to 25.

"Young people are still very vulnerable to potential addictions, and as a result, this makes them even more vulnerable to digital experiences like social media in terms of dependency. Furthermore, when we talk about maturation, they don't have what we call the prefrontal cortex, the area just behind the forehead that allows for not only better self-control, but also better critical thinking," says Canseliet.

"This is important because it's a system that also begins to develop as the brain matures. And in a way, digital experiences, particularly social networks with notifications, instant gratification, and hyperstimulating content, are taking the young brain as a real prey, vulnerable to these addictive phenomena," she adds.

How to protect young people?

According to the expert, there is no immediate solution that can counter the effects of the telephone and social networks on young people.

"Learning is more than just a ban. It's like a knife [...] you can kill someone with a knife and you can cook. However, to learn how to use it, you have to hold it in your hands," explains the neuroscience and cyberpsychology specialist.

"These things can be learned. But it does take time, and time that must be consistent with the magnitude of the challenge, and it must begin at a very young age," she adds.

To see the full interview, watch the video above.