Norma Foley, the Minister for Education, has voiced her intention to prohibit mobile phones in all secondary schools, a move incited by studies linking their use to student distractions and cyberbullying. Foley insists that extensive prohibition goes beyond the prevalent restrictions that typically encourage storage in lockers or limit usage. Is it necessary for a universal ban on phones in all schools? Could this be seen as an over-the-top step, given that many schools already enforce certain rules?
As a parent or student, have you encountered adverse effects due to the allowance of phones in schools, such as distractions or cyberbullying? As an educator, do you often experience class disturbances due to phones?
The Minister highlights the strides taken by primary schools and parents’ associations in recent years to maintain a “smartphone-free” childhood by implementing optional bans outside of school hours. As a parent or educator in a primary school, can you relate to this experience?
Please note, while we intend to feature a variety of responses in our upcoming article, we may not be able to publish every submission we receive.