Should mobile phones be banned in schools?

I DON’T agree with mother-of-four Sophie Langley, who does not want mobile phones banned in schools (Letters). The idea behind a ban is to stop pupils using social media in class. Yes, technology can be beneficial, but I suspect a lot of pupils use their phones for anything but educational purposes. It is sad that so many youngsters rely on technology to communicate. Before you label me an antique, I spent all my working life in IT. At what point do we control technology and when does it control us? We should use machines for educational benefit, not the other way around.

JULIAN ORME, Dover, Kent. WHEN our two teenage grandchildren first retreated to their bedrooms to check messages, play games and surf the net, we tried to divert them. However, we soon realised this is their world, just as Lego and Barbie was ours in the Sixties. To expect them to play board games, climb trees or go for a walk is naive. Yes, a good balance of screen and outdoors time is needed, as is conversation at the dinner table. However, treating mobiles and tablets as evil devices will not allow children to develop in a world which is, whether we like it or not, a technological environment. You need to be online to have friendships, find work opportunities and make contacts. I can’t remember the last time the grandchildren phoned us as they use WhatsApp or Skype. Lesson time must be phone-free, but what’s wrong with pupils using phones at lunch and break times? Our grandchildren know when to stop using their phones. They cook, garden and shop with us. Stop demonising children and join their world — you might like it!

JOAN and PETE TIBBS, Cambridge.