You’ve probably heard the phrase “Please take out your headphones” at least once during class. While some teachers are fine with headphone use, others are much stricter. At AITE, we don’t have a strict policy on headphones. According to Mrs. Rivera, headphone use falls under the school’s electronic device policy, meaning it’s treated the same way as phone use.
Headphones can actually benefit students in several ways, especially while working. One major advantage is noise cancellation. A good pair of headphones, such as Bose QuietComfort or Apple AirPods, can help block out unwanted distractions in the classroom, allowing students to concentrate better.
A study by Healthline found that listening to music while working can improve motivation, mood, and concentration. For many students, music creates a focused environment that makes it easier to complete assignments.
However, there are also valid concerns. Critics argue that headphones can be a distraction. One of the main concerns is that students may miss important instructions from teachers—especially when using noise-canceling features, which can muffle surrounding sounds. I personally agree with this point. During instruction, students should be fully tuned in to what the teacher is saying instead of listening to music.
Headphones—especially those with noise-canceling features—should be used only during independent work time and with the teacher’s permission.
Overall, while I personally benefit from using headphones during work, I recognize they aren’t ideal for everyone. The most important thing is to make sure you can still hear instructions and stay focused on your task.
