World Education Connect Multidisciplinary e-Publication, Vol. VI, Issue V (May 2026), pp.55-77
Author: Marvin P. Contapay, LPT, MAED. EdD Candidate in Educational Management
Co-Authors: Agnes Jocson, Jasmin Orejudos
Abstract
This study analyzed the correlation between the degree of mobile phone usage and the academic performance and learning attitudes of Grade 9 students at San Pedro High School during the Academic Year 2022–2023. It specifically examined students' socio-demographic characteristics, the extent of mobile phone usage for social media, research, and reading, as well as their attitudes towards learning, peers, and teachers. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was utilized, gathering data from 177 randomly selected respondents through a structured questionnaire.
The findings indicated that students infrequently employed mobile phones for social media, research, and reading during class hours, suggesting regulated and restricted usage. In terms of attitude, the students who answered the survey generally had positive but not very strong feelings about learning, their classmates, and their teachers. Age influenced how students used social media, but gender did not have a big effect on how they used their phones. Moreover, the average grade exhibited a significant correlation with social media usage yet showed no such relationship with research and reading activities. Correlation analysis indicated no significant association between mobile phone usage and academic performance; however, notable correlations were identified among attitude variables, especially between attitudes towards teachers and learning.
The study finds that students do use their phones, but it doesn't have a big effect on their grades. However, it does affect how they feel about school. The results showed that mobile phone use in schools needs to be balanced and guided. Recommendations are suggested on how to make technology use in the classroom more responsible.
Keywords: mobile phone utilization, academic performance, attitude toward learning, high school students, descriptive-correlational study
