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I noticed a few people in the Nintendo to school debate that quite a few parents seem to want to send their child to school with a mobile phone. Why is that? I don't get it - if something happens at school, surely the school have a phone?
Now, I'm not a parent, nor will I ever be, so I'm not judging in any way other people's decisions but I am intrigued by the motives. Why?
Rachel
with our 15 year old son it allows him to make last minute plans and let us know what's happening and then we don't worry.
for our 10 year old daughter, larlegly because her big brother has one originally but there are a number of after school activities she does and being able to communicate via text etc has been very useful on occasion.
neither use their phones to text/call us much tbh.
neither has had the thing confistcated so one can only assume they've been sensible about them during the school day.
yes we could cope without but, then again, why should we.
It's a parent's right, alongside taking the kids out of school so that they can have cheaper holidays, or abusing the teachers at parents' evening.
well that didn't take long 🙂
bane of teachers life.
my girlfriends school actually insists that all mobiles be put in a box(inside a pupil labeled bag) at the start of the lesson.
if they are not put in the box and are seen in the classroom they are taken off them and returned at the end of the day.
Dramatically increased classroom attention after that
Dunno. If its because of someone worrying and think it'll add to safety Milly Dowler had her mobile phone on her.
You can only protect your child so much. A phone in my backpack would do **** all if a big lad suddenly grabbed and overpowered me.
Mine has one (12yrs), slightly because she likes to txt hr mts now & then, occasionally because she sometimes misses her 10mile bus ride home and rings from the station (where, of course, there's a telephone - it's dual purpose as there's a gents toilet corner in the same space)
... but mostly because it gives AndyP a means of justifying his existence
Nobody needs one but lots of people of all ages find them useful
TBH I imagine hora junior will be out getting into the odd scrapes so a simple call away from mrshora would help sooth her worry etc.
It's all to do the the fear of not being contactable 24/7 that a lot of folk seem to have these days
Why do you have a mobile? Why do you not use it in inappropriate situations like meetings?
It's partly about learning self control. We have very few issues about phones in our school. Some are confiscated. Often the rest of the class shout down someone whose phone goes off, just like in an 'adult' meeting.
Treat them like adults and they behave like adults.
"Treat them like adults and they behave like adults."
obviously your in an affluent area and not an inner city school.
give them an inch and they take a mile ..... - she has some classes that she can give respect and as you say they respect her for that but some of the lower classes need a heavy hand or they try to run riot.
been a steep learning curve from her working in country schools in th highlands and islands !
So, my daughter's bessie mate invites here back to hers to play my little pony on the wiibox or watch nightlight or whatever young un's do after school nowadays, daughter can text mum to say where she's going, and mum can arrange what time she'll be back and whether to cook tea for her.
Way more freedom than we had as kids! Perfect.
I think a more pertinent question would be "why not?" It's 2012, everyone has a phone. Life was worse without cellphones.
[i]... but mostly because it gives AndyP a means of justifying his existence
[/i]
Nice of you to think of me but really, it's not necessary. I've got plenty.
tempted to do the 'barbie's mrs' technique where i lecture.
about 80-100 21 year olds. ALL facebooking, texting etc. for the whole hour.
infuriating. but even when they are interested in what you teach, a single beep from the sodding phone and you've lost them again.
it's a real shame. i'd genuinely suggest they take in about 20-30% of what they are taught over the whole 4 years these days.
As a teacher the mobile phone is the single biggest problem in my school (normal secondary comp - nice area). We have a no sight or sound policy and they are confiscated and only picked up by parents however they still use them, bully with them, organise fight with them, send inappropriate photos with them, have them stolen. It's a nightmare. Believe it or not people managed to cope without them.
20-30%? in four years? I think that is a marked improvement on a few years ago, surely? In fact, that's a fantastic learning rate!!
Rachel
My wife's a Deputy Head - her view is that it's not mobile phones that are the issue but inappropriate use of them.
Bullying, fights and theft happened in schools before mobile phones were there.
her view is that it's not mobile phones that are the issue but inappropriate use of them.
That's sort of obvious isn't it?
bit like the "guns don't kill people" position
Indeed fights did happen but did but the organisation is prolific and bullying takes on a far more systematic nature and it seriously affects pupil's independence believe it or not.
Rachel - When you've kids you might understand why they may need a mobile phone, until then unless you are a teacher - what is your problem?
[i]Believe it or not people managed to cope without them. [/i]
Yep, and also without laptops, dishwasher, electric kettles and shoes...
b r - I don't have a problem and don't really have a view either way. I was just intrigued by comments elsewhere, that's all. I find it interesting that kids are given these expensive things and I just can't work out why.
I used to teach, not any more, and I won't be having any kids of my own...
Rachel
rachel - why does [i]anyone[/i] need a mobile phone?
[i]rachel - why does anyone need a mobile phone? [/i]
As someone who use to travel heavily for work the ability for people to get in touch easily and vv was a breakthrough - no more foreign operators and huge bills.
If you are not old enough to remember, ask your parents...
My 3 kids have them, increases their independence plus we can easily contact each other - no brainer, and cheap with the right deal.
Not read any of the posts but...
When I was a kid I never had a phone and I got by just fine.
BUT
Mobile phones are now cheap and readily available so why not let your child have one wherever they go - you never know, one day it might just save them from an easily-avoidable situation (missed bus, lost, forgotten PE kit etc.)
Because they are "my preciousssssss ..."
Yes, a £9 - £70 mobile is fine but beyond that they are spoilt brats ...
So that our innocent-looking 13 y.o. can sell some drugs after school and bring home the cash for my Tennant's and Mrs Gti's voddy.
My 11year old just asked for a new Blackberry as all his mates have them, not happy with the two phones he has already, I followed this up with a conversation eith the ex-wife, and was told yes they've all got them, this was followed my 5 year old telling me he doesn't want a Blackberry but an iPhone, well I buying neither, I'm not tight I just believe that they don't need phones that cost hundreds of pounds.
Thankfully, my daughter recognises the Blackberry as the choice of the chav.
Anyway, shouldn't the answer to the original question be....
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hang on....
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....so it can become a Smart Phone?
So she wants an iPhone then lol,he wants the Blackberry messenger thing, I don't know ive never used one.
[i]forgotten PE kit[/i]
playing in a pair of communal skidded-up shorts and your vest is character-building and is a key part of any child's development.
Nicely done druidh.
My sons primary school will confiscate a mobile phone until the parent collects it. they are not allowed and not necessary either.
My sons secondary school will give detention to any child caught using a phone during lesson time.
I rang my son once , thinking he was on break time, he wasn't, he answered because he thought he would be in trouble if he ignored me, teacher caught him and he got lunchtime detention. 😳
excellent! I'm sooo doing that 😈
I'd dispute the 'greater freedom' argument. Yes, you can call your parents to say where you are etc. But most parents won't let their children out of the house due to obviously rampant paedos, axe murderers.
Perhaps they use them when on the PS3 in one room to text their mum to bring more grub?
Thank you, but it looks like my nascent career as a joke writer for Christmas crackers has died an early death.SkillWill - Member
Nicely done druidh.
Put down the Daily Mail at once!AdamW - Member
most parents won't let their children out of the house due to obviously rampant paedos, axe murderers.
Perhaps they use them when on the PS3 in one room to text their mum to bring more grub?
Nearly right.
I ring my son to ask him to make me a cup of tea, when he is in the next room 😆
[i]Perhaps they use them when on the PS3 in one room to text their mum to bring more grub?
[/i]
Is this what you do? 🙄
My 9yr old son is always asking for a phone.
Put simply, i live my working life governed by the dreaded things and i want my child to remain a child for as long as possible. Last minute this and emergency that is a load of rubbish.
They are at school to learn and do as they are told. Mobile phones have no place in schools
There great in school, when ever the kids get them out it gives me a reason to send them out the class to visit the Depute, less brats in the class to disrupt the lesson RESULT.
The ones the use the phones in class are usually the ones that dont really want an education and will end up on the dole anyway.
We are considering fitting one of the jammer things, going to be funny to see the kids faces when thats installed.
I'm not aware of any approved jammers?
Its an area when a number of LAs are currently looking for more guidlines.
The issues regarding mobile phones are more than just the disraction they cause, there is a serious issue surrounding the use of video and bullying. And general cyber bullying using text.
But surely the kids would just carry on "cyber bullying" when out of the class - during breaks and after school/weekends?
It does depend on the child, my daughters could crash through 2000 mms a month my son barely manages 20.
Tis an expensive shame that I have 4 daughters and 1 son....
stevewhyte - Member
There great in school, when ever the kids get them out it gives me a reason to send them out the class to visit the Depute, less brats in the class to disrupt the lesson RESULT.The ones the use the phones in class are usually the ones that dont really want an education and will end up on the dole anyway.
We are considering fitting one of the jammer things, going to be funny to see the kids faces when thats installed
Please tell me you're not a teacher.
Please?
You can neither spell nor punctuate, and you seem more concerned with belittling children.
Oh, hold on. You ARE a teacher. It's clear to me now.
druidh - MemberBut surely the kids would just carry on "cyber bullying" when out of the class - during breaks and after school/weekends?
Indeed, but we have to take a bit of a stand.
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Flashnob your coming over all ****ish whats your problem? Did a naughty teacher give you a C- when you did your cycling proficiency.
i think his problem is you're awesome use of apostrophe's.
I guess he needs to tell it to someone who give a flying f...
You come across people like that in all walks of life and they all have one thing in common, their all tossers.
yoo cant be a techre you cant spel
They are at school to learn and do as they are told.
Hi there Victorian Father! Authority issues much?
People who expect teachers to be able to spell and punctuate are all tossers.
I learned something today.
Great, now thats what teachers should do. Help you learn, glad to be of service.
Bullys, bully. They don't give a toss if they're doing it by phone or by smacking someone round the head with a cricket bat.
Of course, I know **** all but having worn glasses and a brace all the way through school and being quite skinny and by comitting the most terrible sin a school child can make....being reasonably smart....I'm assuming that I understand what an average level of bullying is.
If there's no mobile phones they'll just give them a good kicking. Trust me. I have the scars to prove it.
Some coming back to the OP, it makes them feel a little bit safer. Yep, I can't be there all the time but my lad always knew if he called and said come and get me now, I'd drop everything and do it.
I never had that luxury, it's certainly one I'd have liked when yet another fist was heading towards my face for doing nothing more than paying attention in class but I'm glad I can give it to my son.
The question of mobile phones in school is a tricky one. Parents believe that having a phone empowers their children, and this is certainly true in most circumstances; the ability to contact mum and dad is both useful and important. I have a rule at my school which means that all students have to turn their phones in, and get them back at break/lunch time. This is easily facilitated when you only have 15 students (PRU), but inherently complex in a school with 1800 on role. Having said that, the academy I previously worked for seemed to work the system well, and there were very few issues.
There are two issues with the phone in school. It disrupts/distracts learners, and is used as a tool for bullying. The use of BBM as a weapon by bullies is on the rise in a big way, and many of the incidents I have had to deal with this year have been because of this. As adults we are incredulous as to why kids that don't belong to the same social groups would give out their numbers/become friends on Facebook etc, but for some inexplicable reason they do, even when they know it might lead to some form of bullying.
I'm off to change my daughters nappy. G'night!
The funniest thing is when a parent calls a pupil in class and they answer it, then you get into the positiion where you have to take th ephone off them and suggest to the parent that phoning your child while in school is a bit dim, i know that you want them to collect a packet of Dorchester on the way home but maybe you should wait till after 3.35.
During school hours phones have no place in the school building, they really dont.
We can't unphone the population just the same way as we can't be sure that every phone is off in class but we can hope that they understand that if it goes off then they can collect it at the end of the day from a member of the SMT.
We operate a three strikes rule, not sure what happens after the third strike but then that's above my pay band.
The beauty of a s****y new science building with one zinc side and fancy louvres and metallised blackout blinds is you have a pretty effective Faraday cage with the ability to passively block signals. When I want to make sure all phones are off I close the blinds for a few minutes "for a short youtube clip" when opened at least one phone will buzz.
At rugby a couple of weeks ago I collected the "vals" bag. 12 iPhones assorted other smart phones and iPods and one wallet with £70 in it. And we wonder why petty thieves are targeting school changing rooms.
I see phones as a tool for learning.
At the very least they've got a calculator. The camera/video/audio can be pretty useful in class too for recording / note taking/ assesssment.
Why ban them from schools when they can be so useful? A classic kneejerk reaction from people who can't be bothered teaching appropriate use instead, we're meant to be teachers afterall.
stevewhyte - just out of interest, what do you teach? I am curious as you've now spelt they're wrong twice in two different ways, amongst other grammatical and punctuation errors.
It's not a dig, but genuine curiosity, in a time of reported slipping standards of teaching and co-inciding with a damning Ofsted report at my daughters school.
Spin they are not a tool for learning.
I have been known to let a not so quick writer photograph the board, especially where equations are being shown, but if you let them use the 'phone as a calculator and they get used to its functions and the way it works. What is going to happen come exam time?
What is appropriate use and importantly with something like a 'phone how do yo police it? Some universities in America are banning the use of laptops in lectures because the majority were gaming or on the web instead of learning..
Oh, and not digging either but stevewhyte's first post made me cringe as a fellow professional.
Why ban them from schools when they can be so useful? A classic kneejerk reaction from people who can't be bothered teaching appropriate use instead, we're meant to be teachers afterall.
Do you mean by 'we' that you're a teacher, or just that as adults we should be teaching the youth? If you are a teacher, where/what do you teach? I'd be interested to know about how you govern the phone issue in your school if possible? If such a model is working effectively and there are no issues I'd love to do some collaborative work, maybe shadowing you and your (schools) students.
Good to see a fellow educationalist advocating the technological advance in communication and making it work. Ideas and solutions are what we need.
Spin they are not a tool for learning.
They are in my class. Photographing the board is no different to copying something down from the board in terms of retention (IMO, no studies to back that up). It is however much quicker leaving more time for activities that lead to proper learning.
Forget exam time and fast forward to the real world where people use their phones for that kind of stuff all the time. I guess it depends on how you see your role as a teacher, getting them through exams or preparing them for life (or trying to at least). Both are important.What is going to happen come exam time
I'd be interested to know about how you govern the phone issue in your school if possible?
I tend to say something like 'use your phone to add up those figure's and if I see anyone using anything other than the calculator I'll confiscate it.' Interestingly, although I have confiscated many phones from pupils it's never been during a task in which they were using them.
Is this what you do?
Not really. I now live in England, mother is in the best country in the world (Wales, natch), am 45, and my mother has multiple sclerosis. Oh, and she'd tell me to do one. Good come back by the way, I'll store it for later use.
But honestly - my colleagues who work won't allow their children to go out and play. They're scared of things happening to them. As a result they play on consoles. Shame.
Spin, really same retention? I doubt it. Open a book photograph page 127 close book now tell me what was on page 127. Majority of kids won't read a handout never mind a photograph unless you back it up with " i want to see that written up next time".
And I'm but sorry not thinking about exams smacks of naivety. I try and give the full skills for life experience (coaching sport, running DofE and in charge of Outdoor Ed) but at the end of the day, never mind the rights and wrongs of it, exams matter hugely. Oh and many work places will not allow 'phones either.
Handwriting and typing skills are massively important and neither are improved with a point and shoot photograph.
Suprised so many find phones such a problem. If they get them out in my lessons they get one warning then its taken away and they have to get a parent in to get it back. Simples.
TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR i teachet English as a second langage in a scool for the specialy grifted.
onehundredthidiot glad i can make you cringe you really must have the square root of **** all to do if you think i could care less about what my fingers do on the keyboard.
Seriously, give it a rest with the spelling/grammar police it is starting to wear a bit thin and just creep towards cockdum.
You teach English to foreign geniuses?
stevewhyte - I'm not sure if you are on the wind-up, but your attitude stinks too. English skills aside, I'm glad you don't teach my daughter.
Stevewhyte, you sound like a moron.
If parents find giving their loved one a phone lets them relax a little, then who are you/me/anyone to question it? (Unless of course you are a teacher etc.)
Me and a friend had a conversation recently about the lack of kids you see outside, I see millions of them walking home at 3:30, but none playing in the park or riding bikes in the woods (honestly I'm not a paedo). I went to hamsterly downhill track one weekday in the summer holidays. Lovely day, sun out, the place was empty. Just me there. I can't say this is the same everyday but it backed up by theory that all children are indoors on an xbox/ps3 getting fat and stupid. The end.
And I'm but sorry not thinking about exams smacks of naivety
Read my post again. I said both are important.
Open a book photograph page 127 close book now tell me what was on page 127
You really have a talent for misreading stuff. I'm suggesting that after having generated something on the board or co-operatively pupils photograph it rather than copy it down. Yes, taking a photo in itself has zero educational value. What it does is free up time for the stuff with value and ensure pupils have a record of the work. Whether they use that is up to them.
Are you seriously suggesting that copying notes from a board or a book is a valid method for anything other than the odd snippet? Copying notes is a time time filling / crowd control tactic with tiny educational value.
Handwriting and typing skills are massively important and neither are improved with a point and shoot photograph.
Can't argue with you there, but again you've got the wrong end of the stick. I'm not trying to improve those skills in this way. That would be silly. If I want pupils to improve those skills we do an activity focused on them.
I'm off oot on the bike now. 😀
TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR lols how do you know i dont.
Why not take the dirty great plank out of your eye before you complain about the speck of dust in mine.
You have no idea what my attitude is towards anything, if you think a cycling forum is the basis for informed debate the you are naive at best.
How about less personal attacks and discuss the topic eh.
You have no idea what my attitude is towards anything, if you think a cycling forum is the basis for informed debate the you are naive at best.How about less personal attacks and discuss the topic eh.
If you have been discussing the topic, then he has an idea what your attitude is, no?