EDITORIAL: Should cell phones be allowed?

 

WITH the proliferation of technology in our lives, it is no surprise that fascination has been passed onto our young ones. It is all too common to find primary and secondary school aged children with their own cell phones and tablets. Minister of Education, Ronald Jones, has previously said Government is working on a cell phone policy for primary and secondary schools. Given our children’s increasing sophistication with technology, we believe it is necessary to examine the most important points for consideration. 
 
The benefit of technology in education is without question. We imagine its use in classrooms would advance students’ interest and excitement levels in learning. Some studies prove this, showing students are more motivated, increase their technical skills, perform more complex tasks and give more help to peers. Then there’s the practical side as well, where ebook readers could eliminate dozens of physical textbooks lugged around in backpacks every day and parents can keep in easier contact with their wards after school. 
 
However, there is much to consider. We know that when using electronic devices, children will ultimately find their way onto non-educational material which poses a huge distraction from work. In the other cases, the devices have been used for unsavoury purposes, such as recording and sharing illicit content or for cyberbullying. A study published last year by Louis-Philippe Beland and Richard Murphy in the Centre for Economic Performance supports the idea that cell phones seem to cause more harm in some cases. It noted that banning cell phones in schools resulted in a 6.4 per cent increase in test scores by 16-year-olds. “Disadvantaged and underachieving pupils” performed better than high achievers, whose scores did not vary either way.  
 
This is a debate educators are grappling with around the world, but in our view, each jurisdiction must make the best decision based on its circumstances. For example, last year New York removed its ban on cell phones in schools to facilitate communication between parents and charges, and to eliminate inequities arising with students of low-income communities who had to pay for private phone storage offsite because of metal detectors at their institutions. However, principals still have power to rule on cell phone usage and storage during school hours.
 
Some schools worldwide allow children to bring their phones, but they are prohibited during class time and required to be on silent. Barbados is not a big country, nor do we have to travel long distances or take multiple trains. However, given the sheer volume of traffic, change in working arrangements or even children’s own extracurricular activities, there are times when parents need to communicate outside normal school hours. We suspect if the policy is lifted here, it may be a combination of various approaches as seen worldwide – such as leaving the device in the principal’s office or with a class teacher, though regulations would need to be clearly spelt out so all parties are aware of their duties.  If the policy is upheld, then we know (as currently happens now) some children will continue to bring their phones – and supported by parents to do so – while running the risk of the phones being confiscated.
 
These policies will need to be clearly defined as our society becomes more reliant on technology and our students more connected.

Barbados Advocate

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