Ban on Mobile Phones in School a Downright Silly Policy

We want our kids to become savvy in the ways of the 21st century. So, our schools have computer labs that teach them how to source for information on the fly, compile research data and write reports based on that data.

But then, the schools have a ban on - of all things - the mobile phone!

I don't know whose silly idea it was and, with all due respect, it's a downright silly idea.

Mobile phones these days are more than just for voice communications. They are extensions of the laptop or desktop computer.

And a nation that's behind in the use of such technology is a nation that does not want to encourage innovation in the use of such technology. Yet, we all know that for Malaysia to break out of its "middle income nation" trap, it needs innovations.

This means the up and coming younger generation of Malaysians need to have mindsets that are open to innovation.

So, why the hell are mobile phones banned in school? Among the reasons given is that it's a distraction, which is a disciplinary issue. Another reason is that it can be used to as a means for covert bullying - through text messaging.

Yet another reason is that it would divide the haves from the have-nots.

As the world progresses, these and similar others reasons hold less and less water, to the point where they become downright silly.

Take the distraction excuse. It's a disciplinary issue. Well, are the teachers in school so inept that they cannot stop the kids in their classes from distracting themselves with the mobile phone? If so, it's not the kids who should be punished but the teachers.

As for covert bullying, bullies are very creative. Stop them from using one means, they'll resort to another. It's something all kids have to deal with in one way or another. Banning mobile phones in school won't stop bullies from bullying. Bullying is stopped through proper enforcement of school regulations or disciplinary action, or parental or even police intervention.

As for dividing the haves from the have-nots, when I was growing up, my parents couldn't afford electronic gadgets or computers till I was nearly 17 years old. So, was I ostracised by my friends who did? No. I made friends with those who were happy to share and I learned the value of working hard so that I could own my own gadgets and computers (I now own several at once).

It's time for the silly mobile phone ban to be lifted from school. Children should be taught the responsibility of owning and using mobile phones because they are becoming more integral in children's lives now and in the future. At the very least, during emergencies, parents would be able to contact their children directly. And with mobile phones, our children would learn what it means to be creative or innovative, what with the future of our nation in their hands.