Dear Editor,
There is an increase in the use of cellular phones by students, especially in the secondary schools. I feel that the use of these phones should not be disallowed as they have now become useful in school in the event of emergencies, such as illness, accident and perhaps political disturbances in the street. Children would need to communicate with their parents or guardians immediately, in order to be safe and comfortable, should any exigency arise.
Conversely, when cellular phones do ring in the classroom they cause some distraction to students and also disturb the teacher’s lesson. In several instances some students just do not turn off their phones and have to leave the instructional period abruptly. To my mind, this is a clear exhibition of ill manners in a teaching and learning environment. Another ill use of the phone is when a student pretends to receive a genuine call from home but this simply turns out to be a fake. Moreover, the offending student might have made some pre-arrangement with his or her friend to meet some place, where trouble may be lurking. Consequently, a difficult and embarrassing situation could well emerge.
Then what can we do to confine or restrict the use of cellular phones in our schools? I am wondering if the Ministry of Education together with parent-teacher associations could formulate guidelines regarding the legitimate or proper use of these phones in all schools.
It is imperative that we control this piece of technology and not allow it to master or control us. It ought to be the servant of our use. We, therefore need to act promptly.
Yours faithfully,
Autry A Fernandes
