Hand phones are an important means of communication. We see them being used in the bus, train, shopping centre, restaurant and every other place there are people. Now, hand phones have entered even the classroom. There may be checks on students using hand phones in schools, especially in the classroom, but how effective are these checks?
There is no doubt that the hand phone is a craze among students. It is a symbol of status. Those who do not own one might be looked down on by their peers. The more expensive the hand phone the better it is. Those own the latest model with extra features attracts more attention. Hence, there is the temptation among students to keep up with the Joneses.
Students do have a valid reason for owning a hand phone. They say they can be contacted by their parents and friends in case of an emergency. The students can also keep their parents informed of their movements. This will put their parents’ minds at ease as well as keep a channel of communication open between them. Moreover, public telephones are no longer easily available.
School, however, get jittery about students bringing their hand phones to school. They are worried that the hand phone would be disruptive in the classroom. What if the student received a call in the midst of a lesson? Would it not cause inconvenience to other students?
So, should hand phones be banned in school? I do not think so. It would be very difficult to enforce the ban. Students would still bring them in their bas, unless thorough checks are carried out regularly.
Nevertheless, the use of hand phones in schools should be restricted. Students should not be allowed to use them in class or during school activities. Punishment in some form could be introduced for those breaking the rules. Prefects could be assigned to monitor the use of the hand phones in school
Vocabulary
Temptation—attraction
Jittery—nervous
Thorough—done completely
Nevertheless—in spite of something
