During the pandemic when schools were shut children used to follow their online classes by using a smartphone. However physical classes have now commenced but children are not allowed to carry their mobile phones to school. There could be several reasons for this. Mobile phones in schools will reduce the interest of students in sports or extra-curricular activities. They will be distracted by the attractive games and apps on the phone. Moreover, they may also limit students' communication with their teachers and classmates, if they remain glued to the screen during breaks. Mobile phones can lead to increased problems with bullying in school. Continuous exposure to radiation causes health problems. However for security reasons it becomes prudent for school administrations to allow students to carry their mobiles to school.
In today’s world a mobile is more a necessity than a luxury. If not a smartphone children should be at least allowed to carry a simple mobile. Students can use them to call up parents in cases of emergency, such as a weather disturbance or transport problem. It can prevent a possible incident of kidnapping. There are GPS devices which can be linked to the cell phones that will monitor the child’s location. In today’s world where kidnapping and abduction of children has become a reality, a mobile phone tucked in the child’s school bag could be of vital importance. Schools need to have a rethink on not allowing children to carry their mobiles to school.
