Loyola University Class Helps Students Overcome Smartphone Addiction

Innovative course teaches practical strategies to break free from constant digital distraction.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:06am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting a college student sitting on a bench, their face partially obscured by a blurred smartphone screen, surrounded by a soft, warm wash of colors, conveying a sense of introspection and the struggle to disconnect from constant digital distractions.As smartphone addiction becomes an increasingly pervasive issue on college campuses, this innovative class offers students a path to reclaim their focus and attention.Baltimore Today

A groundbreaking class at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore is tackling the growing crisis of smartphone dependency among college students. The course, designed by Professor Shreya Hessler, equips students with practical tools to reshape their habits and foster a healthier relationship with technology. Rather than just preaching about the dangers of overuse, the class encourages mindful tech use and sparks a broader conversation about the role of smartphones in modern society.

Why it matters

Smartphone addiction is a widespread problem, especially among young people, that can lead to decreased productivity, poor mental health, and a diminished ability to engage with the physical world. This class at Loyola University represents a proactive approach to addressing this issue, empowering students to take control of their digital lives.

The details

The class doesn't just focus on limiting screen time - it aims to help students reshape their habits and develop a healthier relationship with technology. Students in the course have reported checking their phones up to 190 times per day and downloading as many as 55 games, highlighting the depth of the problem. The class equips students with practical strategies, from setting boundaries to finding alternative activities, to break free from constant digital distraction.

  • The class was first offered at Loyola University Maryland in the spring semester of 2026.

The players

Professor Shreya Hessler

The professor who designed the course to address smartphone addiction among college students.

Loyola University Maryland

The university in Baltimore, Maryland that is offering the innovative course on smartphone addiction.

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What they’re saying

“Imagine being chained to your phone, constantly distracted, and unable to focus on the world around you. This is the reality for many students today, and it's a problem that's only getting worse.”

— Professor Shreya Hessler, Course Designer

“One student admitted to checking her phone 190 times a day, while another had downloaded a staggering 55 games. Perhaps most alarming, one student discovered through an app that, at his current rate, he would spend 32 years of his life staring at a screen.”

— Professor Shreya Hessler, Course Designer

What’s next

The university plans to continue offering the course in future semesters, and may explore expanding the program to other campuses.

The takeaway

This class at Loyola University represents a proactive and innovative approach to addressing the growing problem of smartphone addiction among college students. By providing practical strategies and fostering a broader conversation about the role of technology in our lives, the course empowers students to take control of their digital habits and cultivate a healthier relationship with their devices.