Ringtones on campuses
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The use of mobile phones on campuses, particularly in classrooms, has become a matter of debate. Teachers and parents alike are concerned because mobile phones are a source of distraction. There is no doubt that a single phone ring can disrupt a class. There is also concern about the possibility of malpractice during examinations by resorting to SMS communication.
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Ours is a mobile society anxious to stay in touch wherever we are. We have embraced mobile phones with enthusiasm. Today, they have become an integral part of our communication system eclipsing landline connections.
Even as the cell phone market continues to soar, the people have begun to value the ability to have access to continuous communication even while on the move.
Cell chats
Mobile phones are ringing on our campuses too. Whispered cell chats and SMS messaging are gradually replacing the hush-hush conversation among the backbenchers.
Though our students cannot match their counterparts in metros like Mumbai and Delhi, they are using mobile phones for everything - from playing games to fixing an assignation.
Matter of concern
Parents are providing their children with mobile phones, appreciating the sense of security that they offer and convenience of being able to keep in contact with their children wherever they are. But they often overlook the fact that the device helps the children keep in touch with many others too.
The use of mobile phones on campuses, particularly in classrooms, has become a matter of debate. Teachers and parents alike are concerned, because mobile phones are a source of distraction. There is no doubt that a single phone ring can disrupt a class. There is also concern about the possibility of students cheating during examinations by resorting to SMS communication.
Discreet users
None of our colleges has banned the use of mobile phone on its campus. But cells are not allowed during class time. "We haven't issued any order yet... but it is understood that students have to switch off their cell in the classroom, because it is a big distraction," said Leslie Pallath, principal of St. Albert's College, Kochi.
According to Mr. Pallath, the use of mobile phones is found to be more on mixed college campuses. With 10 per cent of students on St. Albert's campus using cell phones, the principal does not find it any problem at all. "They are discreet in using cells," he said.
However, he was candid enough to admit that the use of mobile phone by teachers had become a nuisance. "They don't use it in classrooms... but during meetings and discussions it's a problem," he said.
Sr. Tessa, principal of St. Teresa's College, Kochi, gave a clean chit to her teachers. She said her teachers keep their cells in their bags and do not take them into classes.
She said a college cannot effectively prevent the misuse of cell phones. "Phone is an important device. However, it should be used discreetly and only for urgent purposes," she said. About 40 per cent of the 2,200 St. Teresians use cells on the campus. "We never use in classrooms," said Sinjini Vijay, final BA English student, who gets about a dozen calls while at college. "I tell my friends and family to call me during lunch break," she said.
Her classmate, Soumya P., said she would put her handset on `discreet mode' when in class. "We communicate mainly using SMS... it's a big relief for us," she said.
An addiction
Mobile phones have become almost an addiction to some students. They always have their mobile phones with them. Even in class they use the cells, putting them on the vibration mode.
There are students who have cells yet they do not bring them to campuses.
Divya Kumar, second year BA Economics student and college union general secretary at St. Teresa's, said there was no need for her to use the cell on the campus.
Parents can get reach them by calling the college department, she said.
"Mobile phones have lot of benefits... But they should be used only for the purpose they are meant for," said Divya.
A necessity
As more and more students opt for the means to be constant touch, cell phone is becoming almost a necessity for students. It is not just a communication tool. It helps them relieve boredom by offering games and music. It is also a fashion accessory and a status symbol for them.
They consider it cool to possess the hottest models with state-of-the-art features and funky ring tones.
Mobile ban
Even though the health hazards of using mobile phones are not conclusively proven, there still are concerns about children's health when it comes to school campuses. Mobiles are viewed as source of distraction and envy among schools students.
This can to a good extent justify the blanket ban that exists on school campuses for mobile phones.
"There is no need for children to use mobile phones while at school... we allow them to use school phones in emergencies," said Molly Cyril, principal of Choice School, Thripunithura.
Meena Viswanath, principal of Bhavan's Vidyamandir, Elamakkara, too shared her view. Maya Mohan, principal of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vaduthala; Renuka Menon, principal of Bhavan's Vidyamandir, Eroor; and Suzanne V. Cherian, principal of Rajagiri Public School, Kalamassery, said they never had to face this problem.
"Students don't bring cell phones to the campus. If they bring, we'll confiscate it and alert their parents," they said.
Even though a blanket ban might sound draconian, it is advisable for the parents to teach their children to exercise caution when they use mobile phones and to use them as a security device rather than a constant communication device.
But, how can we suggest a ban on cell phones when we look up to our students as the technology decision makers of the future?
Abdul Latheef Naha
Photo: K.K. Mustafah
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