detention for mobile phone use

[neva]

It is normal for a school to hand out an after school detention for mobile phone use (in this case, sending a message during lunch hour - a first offence)? In this case, it is the school's stated policy, but I would be interested to know whether this is usual.

I had assumed that some work would be set during the detention, or she would be allowed to do homework. However, she was required to sit doing absolutely nothing for an hour. Is this the norm?

we should think carefully about punishing children excessively, in my opinion

I don't think an after school detention is excessive. Having gone through this with teens I'm delighted when schools enforce the rules. I'm glad you said you are backing the school. The last thing your dd needs is the impression she has been treated harshly when she hasn't.

'Until we change our own behaviour and start setting a better example, we should think carefully about punishing children excessively, in my opinion.'

So change your behaviour? I know I have in relation to my DCs.