Are Smartphones the Enemy of Exam Preparation? - 60% of Households with 9th Graders Implement "Usage Rules During Summer Vacation": How to Navigate the "Crucial Summer" in the Digital Age

For third-year middle school students preparing for high school entrance exams, summer vacation is considered a critical period, often referred to as "Tennozan," a decisive battle. According to a survey conducted by Meiko Gijuku involving 1,000 parents, **57.2%** of families plan to set some rules regarding smartphone and SNS usage during the summer break. This is backed by the fact that 80.8% of parents believe that summer study affects exam results, indicating a trend to prioritize securing study time and maintaining concentration. On the other hand, smartphones are also useful as learning tools, such as dictionary apps and online courses, making a "complete ban" unrealistic for many. Key points for rule-making include ① clarifying usage time slots, ② distinguishing between educational and entertainment purposes, ③ utilizing parental control features, and ④ engaging in a discussion-based process that the children themselves agree with. Globally, addressing digital dependency among the youth is a significant issue, as seen with the Los Angeles Unified School District's decision to ban smartphones entirely on campus. Creating systems that maintain motivation while managing smartphone use is a requirement for students and parents in the Reiwa era.