Each week, two readers discuss a hot topic in a parliamentary-style debate that doesn’t necessarily reflect their personal viewpoints.
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For: Amina Seyd, 16, HHCKLA Buddhist Leung Chik Wai College
The debate over whether to ban mobile phones on school campuses has been raging for years, with valid arguments on both sides. However, the evidence clearly shows that prohibiting these devices is the best policy for promoting student learning and well-being.
Many studies have revealed a concerning fact: the mere presence of a smartphone can significantly diminish a student’s cognitive capacity and ability to focus. This should raise a red flag for all of us, as it directly impacts the quality of education our students receive.
Mobile phones, beyond their intended use, can also foster problematic behaviours that hinder student success.
Excessive phone use could also lead to higher rates of plagiarism and cheating. Students may exploit their devices to access unauthorised information during exams or to share answers with peers.
Moreover, the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment, often facilitated through mobile technology, can create a hostile and psychologically unsafe environment for vulnerable students.
Excessive screen time and the blue light emitted by smartphones have been shown to disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, decreased cognitive function and even mental health issues.
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By removing these devices from the campus setting, we can help students establish healthier habits and significantly improve their overall well-being.
Critics of mobile phone bans may argue that these devices serve essential practical and safety functions, allowing students to stay connected with family, access emergency services, and utilise educational resources.
However, alternative solutions, such as designated phone zones or scheduled usage times, can address these concerns.
By fostering a more focused, engaged, and distraction-free learning environment, educational institutions can better support students in developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills necessary for success both in the classroom and in the workforce.
This is why a mobile phone ban is crucial for our educational institutions.
Against: Patrick Chum, 15, Winchester College
Phones, as a marvel of modern technology, offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency in communication. They empower students to plan activities after school or share information about upcoming events with their parents while still at school. This simplifies planning and enhances the overall school experience, giving students a sense of control and capability.
Phones play a pivotal role in enhancing group projects. Effective planning and organisation are crucial, and classes often involve collaborative projects and presentations. Phones enable students to work together both in and out of school, facilitating seamless communication and updates. This not only streamlines the project process but also fosters a culture of collaboration and learning, underscoring the educational benefits of this aspect in the educational journey.
Quickly informing parents and updating them on the situation can provide security and reassurance during emergencies. Imagine the worry and stress a parent might feel if something happened at their child’s school and they could not make contact. Having digital student ID cards on your phone can enhance your school’s security measures, further boosting confidence in the environment’s safety.
Phones are also a great way to socialise with your friends at school. Whether it is sharing music tastes, reacting to videos together or playing games, phones provide a new and exciting platform for interaction.
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They allow students to have fun and create memories, which is a crucial and enjoyable part of the school experience. Additionally, having a phone means you can capture and document all these fun moments with the click of a button. Banning phones would certainly not contribute to this sense of fun and interaction, and would leave students feeling less connected and engaged.
In conclusion, while having phones at school can create problems, this can be easily solved by enforcing school policies, ensuring that phones are not abused in class and appropriately reprimanding students when they do so.
Allowing students to access their phones during breaks will help kids build strong relationships with classmates and ensure their safety. It’s important to remember that technology is all around us, and we should embrace it. Doing so can foster a forward-thinking and open-minded environment in our schools.
