The Hindu : Kerala News : Weighing the pros and cons of mobile phone ban on school campuses

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Weighing the pros and cons of mobile phone ban on school campuses

The State government has disallowed the use of mobile phones by students on the campuses of schools. But issues of enforcement remain. How far should the authorities go to enforce the restriction? Our readers respond:

Commitment needed

Prohibiting the use of mobile phones by students on campuses is a right step by the State government. It is a nuisance especially in the classroom. In my opinion, the ban should be extended to teachers and other staff members also. But, enforcing the decision will be difficult because people are unaware about the problems of using mobile phones in public places. It is strictly prohibited while driving but not enforced till this date. Charging a penalty will not solve the problem. But, it can be enforced if there is commitment. For example, it is prohibited in a courtroom and people always switch off or keep it in silent mode.

Madhavanunni

Ongallur

Vices and virtues

Most mobile phone users actually do not need it. They blindly imitate others to satisfy their egos. Like any other scientific invention it has its vices and virtues. It has brought the world to our fingertips; but, it is said to cause cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, infertility, etc. The mobile phone is a powerful weapon in the hands of the land mafia, sex rackets and other criminal elements.

In the school atmosphere, it will distract the attention of students and teachers. It should be banned at the earliest.

But mere legislation may not solve the problem of usage of mobile phones in the campuses. Public awareness is more important. The law binds only the poor and deprived. See the fate of the laws against bribery, dowry, child-abuse, black-money, insurgency and terrorism, alcoholism, etc.

Make the student community aware of the dangers of mobile phones and disobeying laws. Let them change for a better future.

Janardhanan K.K.

Kannur

A great move

The ban on mobile phones in campuses is a great move from the side of the government. Now that technology has advanced, students spend a lot of time typing messages, giving “missed calls,” playing games, listening to music, etc. Recently it was reported that a set of students were caught for having some pornographic film clippings on their mobiles. Government alone cannot do anything without cooperation from parents. We should take care that we do not give this gadget to our children until he/she is mature enough to know its advantages and disadvantages.

Purnima Krishnan

Wayanad

Create awareness

The decision is most welcome. Being a student, I think strict laws can have no influence on students. The State government should create awareness among the students about the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones. Success of the drive depends on the cooperation of teachers and students.

Abdul Rasik Kadankode

Kannur

Elicit views

The ban is not so easy to implement because of the extensive use of mobile phones which has already had a bad influence on children. As such, the government has to ask the school authorities to convene a meeting to be attended by parents, teachers, student leaders, district educational officers and other eminent persons of the locality to chalk out programmes to help eradicate the menace. Their views are to be sought before banning mobile phone. Exemplary punishment should be given to any pupil found using mobile phone on school premises to ensure the non-recurrence of any such activities.

Kunhi Kannan

Koyilandy

In the right direction

The State government’s ban on mobile phone use by students on school campuses, though belated, is a step in the right direction. Since many other countries have done it already, the government need not be in two minds on imposing it. Students’ attention to studies will be seriously affected. Parents’ role in discouraging children from using of mobile phones in schools would be a great boost to the authorities move to enforce the ban strictly. Mobile phones are a mixture of good and evil. Parents and students should welcome the government’s proposal in the true spirit in which it is intended.

Koru Kuttan Nair

Cherpalcheri

Leading them astray

The rampant use of mobile phones by the student community has become a nuisance. Teenage students, including schoolchildren, are unaware of the malefic effect of mobile phones. They seem to be addicted to these gadgets and use them more as a fashion than a necessity. Parents should be made aware of the hidden dangers and problems connected with this instrument. Students are led astray and get entangled in many anti-social rackets. Stringent rules should be enforced in schools by the school authorities with the support of the government and cooperation of the parents to curb misuse of mobile phones and the wasteful expenditure they lead to.

K.N. Baby

Farook College

Supervise children

I think mobile phones aren’t a necessity for school children. No doubt if children have mobile phones with them, parents can always contact them or they can contact their parents. But nowadays these phones have become toys in the hands of school-going children. For the well-being of our children, it would be better to have control over the use of mobile phones by children not just in schools but also outside. I don’t advocate a ban but the use of mobile phones by children should be supervised either by the school or by parents.

There is room for a little bit of caution. Mobile phones have become smaller in size and expanded in functions. Parents should be careful about its use by children.R.K. Kuzhikatt

Thrissur

Troublesome devices

It is phones with ultra-tech devices that create the entire nuisance. Boys who bunk college classes are creating fresh trouble these days, having discovered the uses of these gadgets and enthusiastically teaching them to their friends, especially girls. Girls these days are bunking classes unlike their phone-less counterparts of five years ago. Principals and teachers are helpless in countering this menace. All that they can do is request the students to keep the phones on silent mode when they are within the classroom.

The future leaders of our nation whose presence is always strongly recorded outside the classrooms create untold troubles to the enforcers of the ban order. No Principal or teacher dare punish a student for having used a mobile phone on campus for fear of these leaders.

K.K. Mathew

Taliparamba

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