A SUFFOLK teaching union leader has today vowed to back headteachers who ban mobile phones from the classroom.Martin Goold, Suffolk secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said mobile telephones are leading to “increasing disruption” in classrooms and are often unnecessary.
A SUFFOLK teaching union leader has today vowed to back headteachers who ban mobile phones from the classroom.
Martin Goold, Suffolk secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said mobile telephones are leading to “increasing disruption” in classrooms and are often unnecessary.
He said: “The union will back any headteachers and staff who remove mobile phones from classrooms. I cannot see any reason why they should not be banned from schools wishing to do so.”
The move comes after increasing concern among teachers and experts that so-called 'cyber bullying'-bullying using mobile phones and other technology-is on the increase.
Mr Goold said: “The dangers of misuse of the mobile phone far outweigh any potential benefit to the child or parent. Cyber bullying is an increasing problem and teachers suffer it too with unpleasant emails and texts.”
Disruption to learning due to mobile phones is also a problem teachers often encounter, Mr Goold said.
He added: “There are many reasons for not allowing mobile phones in schools. We accept that parents like their children to carry mobile phones to keep in contact but in many cases it is an exaggerated need. Mobile phones are a problem for teachers.
“Children texting each other and phones ringing during lessons in the classroom environment detract from concentration and is a thorough nuisance.
“Mobile phones with cameras can also be used inappropriately for bullying purposes.”
Mr Goold said children should not need a mobile phone at school and added: “If there are special circumstances and a child should have one then that should be with special agreement with the parents.”
Does you child have a mobile phone? Should they be banned from schools? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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