Are mobile devices a positive or negative influence in schools?
There has been much in the news recently about children having phones in schools.
Today, the chief inspector of Ofsted, Amanda Spielman supported schools who ban mobile phones.
As reported by the BBC, she is expected to say that the use of phones in the classroom in “dubious at best”. She claims that technology is to blame for “low-level disruption” and that taking a tough stance will endorse a tough behaviour policy in school.
This announcement follows news last week from the headmaster of Eton who endorsed the confiscation of mobile phones from pupils, having younger pupils hand their phones and mobile devices in at night-time.
A recent LSE study discussed in the Guardian found that “banning smartphone use in schools boosted results”.
The benefits of time away from digital devised are widely reported – indeed, this week it has also been reported that gaming addition has now been declared a media disorder and can be treated on the NHS. This reiterates the damage that persistent use of technology could cause.
However, is banning mobile phones in schools a step in the right direction.? Should schools instead be using the technology to encourage and educate about the many elements of our now connected lives?
It’s fair to say that opinion on this is divided. In reality, the capability mobile devices provide for computing, education, communication and organisation are extremely positive. However, finding the right time and place for both use and education is a situation yet to be resolved.
Have your say
How do you feel about mobile phones in school? Do you allow them in the classroom? Have you had good or bad experiences when it comes to mobile devices in school? Please use the comments section below to share your thoughts and experiences.
Mobile phones should be banned in school from start time they should be handed in and then handed back at the end of the school day, this would also promote people skills where they actually spend time doing things and talking to each other instead of having there heads in there phones all the time. There is no benefit in terms or technology learning or anything like that as the schools should provide comput tax and or tablets for this learning. There is no excuse for mobile phones during school time and any safety issues is unfounded as we never had them when I was at school and there were Never any issues then plus after school when they have them back they then have them if there are concerns etc.
Posted: over 6 years by Jimmy fieldI have wanted our Head of school to ban the use of mobile phones in school since I watched a TV programme highlighting a school who's exam results improved by 50% when this was introduced. But she hasn't and won't do anything about banning them. So our results will still be s*£+! .
Posted: over 6 years by Ian Pool