The Anambra State Government has placed a ban on the use of mobile phones by students in secondary schools across the state. Chairman of Post -Primary Schools Service Commission in the state, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, said the decision was aimed at curbing distractions and enhancing academic performance. Weekend Hope went to town to feel the pulse of people on whether mobile phones should be banned in primary and secondary schools.

Their divergent views:

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo, Kayode Olabanji, Akure,
& Precious Owolabi, Ekiti

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The government’s decision to ban mobile phones for primary and secondary school students is a two sided coin, with both advantages and disadvantages. While such a ban could help students focus on their studies and reduce excessive phone use, mobile phones also serve as valuable tools for research, accessing educational resources, and staying informed.

Rather than a total ban, schools and governments should consider some measures, which include, designating specific areas or times when phone use is restricted, establishing guidelines that promote responsible phone use and digital citizenship during school hours, and integrating digital literacy and online safety into the curriculum to teach students how to use technology responsibly.

    I do not support a complete ban on phone use, but I strongly advocate for regulations and monitoring to ensure responsible usage.

A total ban on mobile phones in schools would be a welcome development, as it would encourage students to focus more on their studies.

I have observed a decline in students’ seriousness towards their education compared to the past. The unrestricted use of mobile phones has negatively affected their academic performance, making them overly dependent on these devices and reducing their ability to concentrate in class.

Additionally, reading habits have significantly declined, and many students lack basic knowledge. Disturbingly, some secondary school students engage in inappropriate activities due to unrestricted phone access.

   If mobile phones must be used, they should be restricted to SS3 students for academic purposes only, with strict monitoring mechanisms in place. Parents must also play an active role in ensuring responsible usage.

T he widespread use of mobile phones among schoolchildren has become a growing concern, negatively impacting their academic focus and performance.

To address this issue, the government must implement a ban on mobile phones in schools to help students regain focus, restore discipline, and improve educational outcomes.

Many students spend more time on entertainment on social media than on their studies. If this continues, academic performance will continue to decline.

Banning mobile phones in schools has both advantages and disadvantages.

On one hand, it can help students concentrate on their studies, as phones can be distracting. Excessive phone use encourages students to focus on social media and gaming rather than academics. Additionally, cases of online harassment among students often occur through mobile devices. Without phones, students may interact more with their peers and teachers, fostering a better learning environment.

Phones can also facilitate academic dishonesty, with students using them to access answers during tests or assignments.

On the other hand, mobile phones provide a way for students to contact their parents in emergencies and serve as valuable tools for research and learning.

In this digital era, students should be trained to use technology responsibly rather than being cut off from it completely. Instead of a total ban, schools should regulate phone use .

The role of technology in education cannot be overstated. Mobile phones are products of learning, research and innovation, making them inseparable from the 21st-century world. They enable students to access information, read independently, and enhance their knowledge.

Beyond easy access to educational resources, mobile phones make learning more affordable. Instead of purchasing expensive textbooks at every level, students can simply buy data and access vast amounts of information online.

While concerns exist about exposure to inappropriate content and distractions, mobile phones are not the only devices capable of influencing students negatively. Proper guidance and monitoring are essential to ensure that students use phones for productive purposes.

Scientific studies have shown that educational cartoons and colour-based games can enhance cognitive development in young learners. Rather than depriving students of mobile phones, we should focus on supervision and responsible usage.

Banning mobile phones in schools is a reasonable approach, but regulation might be a better solution than an outright ban.

Parents should be educated on the importance of monitoring their children’s phone usage. Schools should also establish clear guidelines, as some students use phones for research. Instead of banning them completely, parents and teachers should work together to ensure proper supervision.

Since we live in a digital age, monitoring is more practical than prohibition.

With the increasing lack of control over phone usage among students, and considering that learning requires full concentration, I support a ban on mobile phones during school hours for primary and secondary school students.

Smartphones, particularly Android devices, have become major distractions and even platforms for inappropriate behaviour. Many secondary school students now own expensive, sophisticated phones, often provided by their parents. Unfortunately, this exposes them to harmful social media content, negatively impacting their academic performance.

In today’s digital world, mobile phones play a crucial role in education. They are not just for entertainment but can be powerful learning tools. With access to educational apps, online resources, and digital textbooks, students can expand their knowledge beyond the classroom. Instead of banning phones, we should focus on teaching responsible usage.

Additionally, mobile phones provide a vital means of communication, especially in emergencies. Given the security concerns in some regions, students should have a way to contact their parents when necessary.

However, to prevent distraction during school hours, strict regulations should be enforced, such as: Restricting phone use during lessons except for academic purposes. Collecting phones at the school gate and returning them after school.

Limiting access to social media and non-educational content during school hours.