To think student mobiles shouldn't be allowed in schools.

[Trebla]

I'm looking for perspectives here. Knowing how addictive and alluring screens can be, how they can change behaviour, reduce focus and create distraction away from real human connection with the people right next to you. Am I being unreasonable to be surprised that its is only just becoming a thing that phones are being banned in schools? AIBU to be surprised they were ever allowed in the first place. I'm not anti tech or screens for educational purposes, but adolescents are notorious for pushing boundaries and not being able to regulate their behaviour consistently (and most adults) that I feel it's highly appropriate that this boundary is set on their behalf to facilitate prescence, social connection and learning in school. Am I missing something?

LolaSmiles

Handsets available in class for those who don’t have their own.

We chose the school specifically though for its commitment to tech so we’re happy that teachers are embracing that.

All pupils have a netbook in addition.

JacquesHammer
That sounds like a good way around it and better than nothing.
For me personally thats still too much of the school being complicit in the haves and the have nots though.

If all pupils have a netbook, is that theirs or school issued? Do you know how it works for disadvantaged students? Assuming all thinhs are equal, I much prefer the idea of netbooks for all (standard issue) than phones in class. I'm not against technology; I'm just yet to be convinced of phones in school.

If all pupils have a netbook, is that theirs or school issued?

School issued

Do you know how it works for disadvantaged students?

Pupils in receipt of pupil premium don’t have to contribute.

JacquesHammer
That sounds really good then. I used to be really interested in technology in the classroom, including fun ways to use phones etc and then over time I became quite jaded and cynical with it. Sometimes I wonder how much of it is tech companies aiming to get teens hooked on their interface (e.g. iPad in schools) but I accept that might be me wearing a tin foil hat.
Based on what you've said, I'd just use the netbooks and keep phones out the classroom.

Rubytinsleslippers

I would be interested to know how they managed to get an exemption.

We trialed phones in lessons with the permission of the teachers, it just led to more arguments with the pupils and parents.

We are back to out of sight out of mind.

Both my older DSs use their phones in lessons for research and teachers are annoyed if they don't have one 🤷🏻‍♀️

But to add to that if they are caught with their phones out in between lessons (other than break/lunch) they confiscate them - go figure!

Technology can still be used in classrooms. Class sets of tablets are usually available.

Banned in my comp for the last 4 years. The amount of trouble spilling over from snapchat into real life was pretty catastrophic for the best part of a year before the ban.

I agree that the digital competency framework is here to stay and we need to educate our children BUT, the allure of social media and instant gratification is irresistible. Social media and the internet has totally altered the landscape of adolescence and, in some dimwitted, neglectful families, it's altered childhood too.

Once things are seen, they cannot be unseen. There needs to be a tight age restriction on under 16's with phones. SO much trouble caused by them.

DD's school encourages them to use phones in lessons, obviously only for the purposes of the lesson. Generally it takes the view that the girls can be trusted in most things and a light touch on discipline.

Each school should keep the current ability to decide their own mobile phone policy. Nothing needs to be done on a national level.

It would be impossible now to ban them outright, schools with a usage policy seem to have got it right, but in buying a smartphone you are allowing access to sites detrimental to their well-being. There has always been bullying but phones make it easier and schools have to waste too much time dealing with the outcomes, even when it's going on out of school.

If the bus breaks down, the bus driver will have a method for contacting the school.

If a practice is cancelled, the child can go to reception and ask the administrators to contact his/her parents.

That said, I do think it is reasonable to incorporate technology during lessons, but to disallow phones to be on in school unless they are being used as part of the lesson.

If the bus breaks down, the bus driver will have a method for contacting the school.

Yes a mobile phone.

Not GCSE level but I know kids who are in the same room as those taking an exam. They can listen to music, as long as it's not heard, and revise. Their mates are texting them questions

Phone blockers are illegal for schools and other places of work as they can also block telecommunication in the immediate area; eg passing ambulances.

This is quite interesting.
My dd has her phone 24/7, although there are times she can't use it, like in a lesson unless told to.
It is essential for her lifestyle, I know that sounds fuckin pretentious bollocks but it's true.
At first I thought it was a severe problem but I soon found out she self regulated and social media became a tool quite young.

@Aragog - did you get a chance to get that reference?