Should Mobile Phones Be Allowed in Schools?

Mobile Phones Should Be Allowed in Schools.  Do you agree?

     Mobile phones have become an indispensable tool to students.  The modern mobile phones have cutting-edge technology.  They are no longer just used for calling or texting.  These smart phones are able to access the Internet, take notes, keep reminders and have large memories to boot.  With these in mind, should mobile phones be allowed in school?  In my opinion, mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.  This will bring a host of problems to the school.

     Firstly, the mobile phones will be too much of a distraction to the students.  At present, many students are already spending too much time on social networking websites and online games.  What is going to stop them from constantly checking on their Facebook updates or posting their status?  This will disrupt their concentration in class and will definitely affect their studies.

     In addition, these smart phones are also an excellent learning resource.  However, this tool could also be used by students to cheat.  They could access websites to help them answer their exam questions.  Students have been found to use the mobile phones to contact each other for answers.

     Besides,  allowing mobile phones in school would create a social divide between the students.  Students who do not have mobile phones or less capable phone would definitely feel the pressure of keeping up.  Some who cannot afford it would resort to stealing.  This would open up a whole new discipline problem to the school.  Imagine the havoc when everytime some loses a phone, a spot-check has to be done on all the students.  This would disrupt classes and a waste of the resources of the discipline master and prefects.

      When used responsibly, a cell phone can be an excellent learning tool.  Students can use applications like the calculator, dictionary, maps and other online resources.  It is especially useful when students do not understand a word.  They can easily look up the word with their mobile phone.  Students love to use technology and tend to be more motivated when given the freedom to use their mobile phones.

     In conclusion, mobile phones  are very useful in a student’s life.  However, they cause too much disruptions in school and might create a social divide between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’.  Our students have not reached the maturity and they are not ready for this responsibility.  Therefore, mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.

(Adapted from:  Reading and Writing, Nilam Pub, Jenny Ho and Rahmah Sayuti)