LETTERS: The use of smartphones in schools has been intensely debated in the media by proponents and an equal number of opponents.
Each giving their diverging views. In the end, most schools decided to ban the use of smartphones for students in schools. Some went a step further by banning bringing smartphones to school.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) recently launched a survey on their Facebook page to gauge public sentiments on allowing students to use their mobile phones in school.
In July 2018, in a Parliamentary reply, the minister of education said that the ministry would provide guidance for schools to develop policies and rules to regulate the use of mobile devices in schools, based on their student profiles and needs.
He reiterated that there was no blanket ban of smartphones in schools.
The minister further stated that the ministry would continue to monitor developments and work closely with schools to put in place measures and structures pertaining to smartphones to ensure a conducive teaching and learning environment.
However, the public is still awaiting guidelines on use of smartphones in schools. In the absence of the guidelines, most schools set their own rules and conditions on the use of smartphones.
The easiest and most convenient way was to ban smartphones in schools.
Such outright ban deprives and violates the rights of students on the use of smartphones. Students are also individuals and we have to respect their rights.
Disallowing bringing smartphones to schools would completely cut off the means of communication between the student and his parents or guardian.
The communication between the student and his parents is absolutely vital in urgent or emergency situations.
School rules and conditions are set and implemented by the schools themselves to ensure they are observed by the students and fellow teachers.
Schools do not encounter problems in monitoring so far. Why would schools anticipate problems monitoring the rules and conditions set for smartphones? Is it because this would be an added responsibility?
We have to arrive at an amicable solution on smartphones. We need to evaluate the issue rationally and fairly. On that note, we need to consider the rights and wellbeing of the students as well.
In the process to come to a final decision, some parties may have to make some sacrifices and some may take on more responsibilities.
In order not to violate the rights of students and satisfy the use of smartphones in emergencies, I would suggest students be permitted to bring their smartphones to school.
However, the only condition is the phones must be switched off while they are in classes.
And, the phones could only be switched on during recess or when the school is over. This arrangement should suit the students and parents.
WONG SOO KAN
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times