George Henry, Gleaner Writer
SPALDINGS, Clarendon:
Members of the Association of Principals and Vice Principals have expressed mixed views on the restriction of cellular phones in schools, as is being voiced by new Education Minister Andrew Holness.
Their views were expressed at the annual retreat of the association, held from Thursday October 11 to 14 at the Starfish Hotel in Trelawny, under the theme 'Building Effective Schools - Creating a Model of Excellence'.
Some administrators are of the view that the use of cellular phones in schools presents not only a distraction for other students, but a security risk for those who own them as they become targets for robbers.
Although some principals are not in support of the banning of the phones, they want them to be turned off during class hours, but would like a solid statement to be issued by the Ministry of Education regarding the subject.
Target for criminals
A number of school administrators also expressed concern that when students take cellular phones to schools, some get stolen. As a result, school administrators use valuable time trying to resolve such matters.
Michael Stewart who is principal at the Porus High in Manchester wants parents to assist in protecting their children by not purchasing expensive cellular phones for them, as students are being targeted by criminals when seen with expensive phones.
Mr. Stewart, like many of his colleagues, wants the Ministry of Education to establish a clear policy on the use of cellular phones by students, but stated that whatever policy is implemented must be carefully crafted.
And Cynthia Peart, principal at the Papine High School believes that cellular phone use by students should not be banned, because some students are from volatile areas and parents are concerned about the whereabouts of their children who have to leave and re-enter these areas daily.
She told The Gleaner that schools will have to deal with the issue according to the location of their schools. Mrs. Peart was however quick to point out that the use of the phones has advantages as well as disadvantages.
