Caveat – Yet again, we see a claim being widely shared that, upon closer examination, is not supported by the research cited to justify it. At The White Hatter, we remain committed to challenging such claims when they are not grounded in fact or when research is misrepresented, specific to youth and their use of technology and the internet! You may have heard this common claim circulating online about technology in schools – “A study from the University of California showed it takes just over 23 minutes to refocus after checking a smartphone.” This statement is often used to support phone-free environments in classrooms, with the implication that smartphones significantly disrupt a child’s ability to focus on their studies. It is important to note that many who are making this claim do not provide an actual link to the University of California study. At first glance, this sounds compelling. After all, as parents and caregivers, we want our children to remain focused in learning environments. But is the claim accurate? We decided to dig deeper and look at the study that supposedly supports this widely repeated statement. The Origin of the “23-Minute Refocus” Claim In our investigation into the origins of the quote, we found that it likely references two studies conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine.” Interestingly, neither study involved smartphones at all! Let us repeat that sentence – neither study involved smartphones. Unless there is another study done by researchers at the University of California, Irvine that supports the 23-minute refocus claim specific to the use of cellphones that we are unaware of, such a study does not exist that we could find. The researchers analyzed interruptions in a simulated office work environment where 48 subjects, with an average age of 26, were tasked with answering 12 demanding emails while performing other office-related work. The interruptions were delivered in two ways: The participants were told to respond to these interruptions immediately, and researchers measured the time it took to refocus on their primary tasks after being interrupted The studies revealed some important insights: While these findings provide valuable information about workplace productivity, it’s important to once again note that smartphones were not part of the study. The interruptions mimicked office scenarios, not a classroom environment or smartphone usage. Claiming that these studies prove it takes over 23 minutes to refocus after checking a smartphone is misleading. Here’s why: The misrepresentation of the statement that spawned this article, highlights a growing trend –  taking complex research findings and oversimplifying them to push a political narrative about technology and its impact on learning. Parents and caregivers deserve accurate, evidence-based information when deciding how to approach technology use with their children. While it’s fair to discuss concerns about smartphones and distractions, it’s equally important to separate fact from exaggeration. As parents and caregivers, we know that distractions, whether from technology, peers, or even our environment, are part of life. Rather than focusing on fear-driven narratives, let’s equip our children with the skills they need to thrive in a world where technology is a tool, not a hindrance. The “23-minute smartphone refocus” claim may sound persuasive, but now you know the truth – it’s based on research that didn’t involve smartphones at all. Let’s rely on facts, not assumptions, as we navigate conversations about technology, learning, and focus. Digital Food For Thought The White Hatter Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech References: 1/ https://ics.uci.edu/~gmark/CHI2005.pdf 2/ https://ics.uci.edu/~gmark/chi08-mark.pdf