Education / Proposal to ban mobile phones in school – what do pupils think?
WITH some parents lobbying for a ban of mobile phones at the Anderson High School and discussions among education officials ongoing about how best to approach the thorny issue, Shetland News wanted to hear what pupils are thinking of the idea.
We asked Brae secondary pupil and Shetland Youth Voice chairperson Beenie-Ann Wood to give us a flavour of how the issue is being discussed among those most affected by the proposal.
Many pupils feel that a complete ban of mobile phones in schools would only cause disruption – a stricter policy and clear guidance would be welcomed by many if not by most.
However, mobile phones in schools have become a crucial aspect of learning with both positive and negative outcomes.
One of the biggest problems with phones in school is the distraction they can cause in class. It is so easy for pupils to check their phones in class, but doing this can take the brain up to 20 minutes to re-focus, taking up almost half a period.
Many young people admit phones can be a disruption to learning, however they can also be used positively in class to access online platforms, do research and to play educational games.
A complete ban of mobile phones is likely to affect pupils’ wellbeing and add worry to their already stressful lives. Many young people, but equally so parents and guardians, feel more at ease knowing they can contact each other during the school day.
Senior pupils feel that as they move up through the school, they use their phones more (for educational purposes) – some teachers recognise this and allow it, and even at times suggest it.
Some of the older pupils feel this is due to them being seen as more responsible and independent, which can come across as unfair to the younger students.
Petition calls for mobile phones to be banned at Anderson High School
Sadly, young people are well aware mobile phones in school can be used for online bullying and other inappropriate uses. It is an issue which is increasing and can cause worry for pupils and even make them fear coming to school.
This is a leading reason as to why clear guidance on mobile use in schools is needed.
Some feel teachers should have the authority to take mobile phones at the start of class, however pupils can have them in breaks.
Others agree a stricter policy is required, but there needs to be more conversation with both pupils and staff to create a better understanding of each other’s needs.
Balance is what’s needed, the adults involved in this need to understand mobile phones have become a necessity for everyday life for pupils, and taking away that freedom could cause even more disruption.
However, pupils also need to recognise restrictions are needed for them to thrive academically and to create a nourishing and safe learning environment.
A positive way forward would seem to be to establish guidance which enables mobiles to be taken in to school with reasonable restriction, and suitable consequences where necessary.
A policy is needed which fits both the wants and needs of both pupils and staff to create a healthy learning environment.
Having a policy which allows mobile phones in school also allows pupils to have a responsibility in not misusing their phones; a skill which will be needed in their futures, for example, when they enter the workforce.
It also gives young people a sense of control, which is a key part of our rights as young people and will help us to grow.
School communities include everyone, and so any mobile phone guidance and restrictions need to also apply to staff, as pupils and teachers should be equal.
If a complete ban was to be enforced it should be for teachers too, which would cause difficulties and inconveniences, and therefore is another reason against a complete ban.
Most young people disagree with the proposal to ban mobile phones in school, as it will take away a right and cause even more disruption in school. A complete ban would cause high stress levels and much unhappiness amongst pupils. They do, however, feel a stronger policy should be put into place.
It’s a sensitive issue which needs to be approached with much care and should result in guidance which takes both sides (staff and pupils), into account that it is based on working together with a clear understanding.
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