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eSafety Commissioner lukewarm on mobile phone ban
The Victorian Government’s decision to ban mobile phones during school hours in all state secondary and primary schools next year has been met with mixed feelings from educators, parents and students, and the eSafety Commissioner herself.
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I was overjoyed to hear the news about the ban on mobile phone during schools hours. I have worked in a school for 33 years and never have I experienced the amount of problems we face regarding mobiles. While we do try to police the use of the device, our hands are really tied when we approach students about using the device when they shouldn’t be, their excuse being “they are checking compass”. How then are we to respond? Even taking photos of the notes on the board – this givs the students an excuse not to focus on completing tasks because “they just a photo of it” and work on it later (supposedly). Extremely anti-social when they are all on their individual device even in a group situation and even more concerning, all grouped together looking at something on a screen. We have no way of policing what they research and what kinds of material they share. Hooray for those brave enough to introduce the ban.
I great idea, basically gives legitimacy and consistency to most school’s policy anyway