Minister backs schools in curb on cell phones

The move by some secondary schools to ban mobile phones in school and limit the type of phones students are allowed to have has received the blessing of the Ministry of Telecommunications.{{more}}

At a recent press briefing, Minister of Telecommunications, Dr Jerrol Thompson, said that he supports initiatives being taken to prevent disorder and the abuse of mobile phones in schools.

“For the time being, I certainly want to support the Ministry of Education in that particular endeavor to keep our schools safe and to avoid any sort of interruption whatsoever,” Dr Thompson said.

He, however, said that he believes that in a couple years things will level off and students will begin to act more responsibly.

Educators have sought to clamp down on mobile phone usage in schools, following reports of sexual misconduct by students, involving mobile phones.

There have been reports of students using mobile phones to record and take pictures of lewd acts, as well as the general disruption caused by ringing cell phones in classes, and text messaging.

Some schools that still allow mobile phones have banned cell phones with cameras. (KJ)