Ban ‘not the best solution’
An education expert has said banning mobile phones at school is not the answer to student engagement problems.
Saki L. Milton, US Schools Portfolio Manager at Pearson Middle East, said: “I understand the decision to make kids engage more with each other face-to-face. As a former classroom teacher and from running a STEM summer camp for girls, I agree that kids today sit next to each other during a break, yet choose to glare intensely at their phones rather talk to each other. However, the same is true for adults in the workplace, or even families dining out. We have all observed the lack of human interaction as due to devices.”
Instead of a ban, adults should lead by example and schools should set clear policies in place to regulate mobile phone use, she said.
“Banning technologies in schools is not the right, nor best solution. Instead, schools and their communities should do a better job of teaching the appropriate use of technology — where, when, and why.
“Digital citizenship can only be learnt if adults lead the way, rewarding appropriate use and enforcing consequences for those who fail to comply. I’ve taught at schools deemed BYOT [Bring Your Own Technology], and this can be tremendously beneficial for schools with limited budgets,” she said.
Milton added: “For teachers, I’ve seen great uses of WhatsApp, Instagram and Twitter for updating students and parents with class or curriculum changes.” ■