The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : ‘Report misuse of cell phones’

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Saturday, Aug 23, 2008
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Kerala - Kochi

‘Report misuse of cell phones’

Staff Reporter

Move follows rampant misuse of camera phones in schools

KOCHI: Alarmed at the rampant misuse of mobile phone cameras in schools, the Education Department has asked the heads of institutions to report any such incident to the police without delay.

In case of any such incident, the principal or headmaster should file a complaint to the police seeking their help in cracking down those misusing mobile phones on campuses. They should also report the case to the District Education Officer without delay.

Heads of institutions found violating the guideline will be asked to explain why they failed in initiating action against the guilty.

The latest move is part of the government’s decision to ban the use of mobile phones up to the higher secondary level. Students will not be allowed to bring mobile phones to campuses.

The Education Department has received complaints regarding the increasing incidents of misuse of mobile phones in the State. The police have 14 such cases in their records at the moment.

Several people use mobile phones to harass others by taking pictures without consent or sending pornographic pictures unsolicited.

The government has made it clear that mobile phones should not be allowed inside the campus without the prior permission of the principal or any other teacher authorised for the purpose.

Teachers have been given the power to seize mobile phones in case of violation of the ban.

A committee will also monitor the misuse of mobile phones by teaching and non-teaching staff. Headmasters and principals of schools have been directed to closely monitor the implementation of the directions given on the misuse of mobile phones and take appropriate action.

Education Department will also focus on raising the awareness of both teachers and students on the drawbacks of using mobile phones on campuses.

The Cochin University of Science and Technology has banned mobile phones with camera on the campus. The registrar of the university said that stringent action would be taken against those found violating the ban.

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