Across the country, many schools are implementing policies that ban cell phones in the classroom in an effort to reduce distractions and improve learning.(1) This approach is driven by research, which we fully support. However, this step alone will not automatically equate to improved learning and improved attentional focus. New learning can only take place when someone’s nervous system is calm. If a student is anxious, overwhelmed, distracted, or triggered, new learning will not take place.
A Common-Sense Approach to Supporting Students
While it makes sense to remove the distraction that cell phones create, it is important to provide students a resource to help them proactively manage their stress and anxiety. Teaching coping skills is not enough because if someone is too anxious or too upset, they simply won’t remember to or aren’t able to utilize the skills they have been taught. Think of a person who is in the midst of a panic attack or an angry outburst, they either won’t or can’t take a deep breath, even if you ask them to. The solution has to be something simple that is predictable in it’s results. This is where Bi-Tapp emerges as the leader in helping students reduce their anxiety and improve their focus.
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is proven to calm the fight-or-flight response. The tappers provide the bilateral tapping so you are getting the benefit of this resource without having to do anything other than hold or wear them. It is a simple intervention that works. Once a student experiences how simple and effective Bi-Tapp is for reducing anxiety, they will use the tappers as often as needed because they know it helps them feel better. Many schools either have the tappers available in Wellness Rooms or available at a set location within the school that students can check the tappers out like a library book. The benefit of this approach is the student is able to return to the classroom and use the tappers whenever needed so they can perform and function at their optimal level.
Students are able to customize the tapping through the Bi-Tapp app by adjusting the rate of speed and intensity of the tapping that is calming to them. They can wear the tappers on their wrists, hide them in their pockets, or slip them into their socks. This gives them access to a helpful resource while staying engaged in class.
Why aren’t traditional coping skills enough?
While coping skills are valuable, you will not be able to access this stored learning when you are highly upset, anxious, scared or triggered. This is because the fight-flight response jumps in the driver’s seat and the thinking part of the brain is reduced, making it very hard to think clearly.
Bi-Tapp steps in to automatically lower stress and anxiety. Once a person begins to calm down, then they can use the coping skills they’ve learned much more effectively.
Bi-Tapp Creates a Supportive Learning Environment
Banning cell phones in schools helps reduce distractions, which is crucial since studies show that attention spans on screens have dropped to around 47 seconds.(2) But beyond cutting distractions, students also need regulated nervous systems to thrive. That’s where Bi-Tapp comes in. From preschoolers to university students, Bi-Tapp tappers are helping people of all ages calm their nervous systems. When students are regulated, they can focus better and achieve greater academic success. Our goal is to help every student thrive, both in and out of the classroom.
- Haidt, Jonathan. The Anxious Generation. (2024) Penguin Press, New York.
- Mark, Gloria, PhD. Attention Span. A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity. (2023) Hanover Square Press, Canada.
Additional Reading
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