In the last few years there has been an explosion in the use of new
communication technologies, including mobile phones. It is estimated
that over 70% of young people aged 10 to 14 now own a mobile phone.
Considerable debate has taken place in the press recently as to whether
pupils should be allowed to take their mobile phones to school.
No one can deny the positive benefits of children communicating freely with
each other. Pupils argue that using a mobile phone to talk to or to text-message
their friends is simply one way of doing this, using new technology. Many parents
are in favour too. They like the reassurance of knowing their children are safer
and more independent with a mobile phone, since they can contact them at any
time if the necessity should arise. They cite the potential risks faced by some
children who have to travel alone.
However, schools point out that carrying a mobile phone could in itself make
a child more vulnerable to theft or mugging, both on the street or in the
playground. Police figures confirm that a high proportion of crimes committed
against young people involve thefts of mobile phones. Moreover, headteachers
are concerned that allowing pupils to bring their mobile phones to school could
create a competitive atmosphere amongst pupils, resulting in some individuals
feeling marginalised and unvalued. In addition, teachers claim that pupils’
education would be adversely affected by the inevitable distraction caused
by phones ringing during lessons.
This issue is further complicated by the fact that some doctors are warning
against the habitual use of mobile phones. They are fearful that children
using mobile phones could suffer long-term brain damage. The onus is on those
responsible for the manufacture of mobile phones to prove that they are indeed
harmless. Until this potential danger is removed, it would seem that schools
should protect their pupils by insisting that they leave their mobile phones
at home.