Mobile Phones in School: Threat or Resource?

G´day Australia! Thank you for inviting me to post a commentary in your newsletter. My name is Ferdinand, and currently I am attending Bernstorffsminde Boarding school. I am 16 old, and I love my phone, and I use it several times a day. But recently, our school decided that mobile phones in school will not be allowed anymore. The new rule has sparked a lot of discussion among students, teachers and even parents. As a student that has been affected by this new rule, I will reflect on the pros and cons about the ban on mobile phones. I will try to look at it as objectively as possible, to figure out what is the best for the students.

Advantages of the ban

One of the arguments in favor for the ban, is that phones can be very distracting for us students. Our Head Teacher Mr. T. Laycock also said “we think mobile phones can be very distracting for children and they interrupt their concentration.” And I think it’s a valid point that’s hard to argue with. Because as a student, I know for a fact that mobile phones can make it harder for us to maintain our concentration during the school day. In school we are supposed to focus on lessons, not playing mobile games and check social media. But with a phone buzzing in your pocket, it’s tempting to look at it. So, I think the ban of phones will increase our concentration during the school day.