The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Parents, teachers scoff at move to ban cellphone on campus

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 13, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Parents, teachers scoff at move to ban cellphone on campus

Staff Reporter

An overwhelming majority says it will be very difficult to enforce the ban

RADIATION RISK: A child speaking over a mobile phone at a home. — Photo: K.K. Mustafah

BANGALORE: Asked for this reaction to the proposed State Government ban on the use of mobile phones by children below the age of 16, Principal of Frank Anthony’s Public School (FAPS) C.A. Browne produced the school diary which clearly instructed that the students to switch off their cellphones on the campus.

While disapproving of a blanket ban on the instrument, Mr. Browne said cellphones had undeniable benefits and could be life savers. “We do not sell colas in our canteen but what stops a student from going across to the nearest shop and buying them? The ban can never be implemented comprehensively.”

Lionel Coulter, whose children study in the school, said: “The authorities should bring to book those who use their mobiles while driving. A ban like this will be unenforceable.” But his wife Anne felt the ban was a good idea. “You will be surprised to hear what children manage to do with their mobile instruments.”

Guruprasad Reddy (16), a first year P. U. C student of St. Joseph’s College, said: “Pre-university students do not require a mobile phone. But a ban is not the solution.”

His classmate Aaron Richie (16) said: “The Government cannot decide what is good and what is bad on our behalf. ” However, both do not own mobiles.

A 16-year-old student of Christ College, who did not want to be named, scoffed at suggestions that the use of a mobile phone could pose health risks. “I am at a greater risk because I smoke and drink. If the Government is so concerned about our health, let it make sure that alcohol and cigarettes are banned for youngsters.”

Wasim (15), who has a mobile puncture shop, says: “Most of my clients call me on my cellphone. The instrument is my source of livelihood. My family depends on me. I might be 15 but I am not a kid.”

A group of 10 pre-university boys studying in St. Joseph’s laughed off the ban saying it would be impossible to enforce. One of the them, Bipin Pandey, reacting to the charge that cellphones were used to peddle porn, said: “We are too busy with other things and we have passed the age for all that. Besides that is something our parents should be concerned about, not the Government. They should first shut down the CD/DVD libraries and maybe even the internet if pornography is their concern.”

Mobile service providers, both GSM and CDMA, responded cautiously to the ban move. However the providers wondered whether the rule could be strictly enforced. If the parents procured handsets and connections in their name and offer the phone to their wards, how would then authorities check such usage, they wondered.

Arun Kumar, general manager (Development), Mobile Services, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., Karnataka Circle, said although there was no conclusive proof of the health arguments cited by the Government, the BSNL would abide by the law. Like other service providers, BSNL too had packages for all categories of students.

Chief Executive Officer of Bharti Airtel, Karnataka Circle, V. Venkatesh, expressed a similar view. He said while many educational institutions had already banned use of mobile phones on the campus, parents could find it difficult to monitor the safety of their children while they were out of the school.

A spokesperson of Reliance Communications said the company was yet to receive a direction in this regard from the Government. However, the company would respect the law of the land and would abide by the order, he added.

Responses from Tata Teleservices, Hutch and Spice were not available.

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