This year, students at a high school in New York have started using old devices like iPods and cassette players. These gadgets, which were popular about 20 years ago, are coming back because many schools have banned smartphones. The main reason for these bans is to help students focus better in class and reduce distractions.

Many schools have rules that do not allow students to use smartphones during school hours. Teachers and school officials worry that smartphones can distract students from learning. They believe that without phones, students will pay more attention in class and interact better with their classmates.

Schools are trying to stop this trend. For example, teachers in some schools use Wi-Fi to detect Bluetooth signals from MP3 players. However, students wrap their devices in aluminum foil to block signals. One student shared his story: “I really missed listening to my music in class, so I went to a thrift store and bought an old iPod. To make sure no one would see it, I wrapped it in foil, and it worked! No one even noticed I had it.”

Interestingly, scientists have found that students who use iPods and cassette players often focus better in class. Dr. Anjali Patel from the University of Virginia explains, “Clicking buttons or turning a cassette tape helps the brain remember things.” This research has led some teachers to think about whether banning all technology is the best choice. One teacher said, “We have rules for a reason. It’s important for students to learn to focus without too much technology.”