Education

Legalize Mobile Phone Usage by SHS Students -Teachers

Hon. Jerry Akporhor- Ag secretary - Educate Ghana Summit-

Legalize mobile phone usage by SHS Students is one option in the pipe line that is likely to become the norm in Senior High Schools. Teachers and educationist are beginning to knock at the doors of the GES and MoE to ensure, the law that prohibits the usage of phones by students is quashed.

One of such persons championing the new crusade for this is Hon. Jerry Akporhor- Ag secretary – Educate Ghana Summit.

According to him, the defenses put up against the possession and usage of mobile phones in our schools are all valid points and they still stand. But in the light of new reasons, technological evolution an advancement, it has become clear that the reasons why we should allow it’s usage have now outweigh why we used to criminalize it.

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What are the defense against mobile phone usage by SHS students?

Mobile phones are a distraction especially during lessons. It can also be addictive.
It will increase utility bills
Students will abuse it. Watching porn and recording and uploading nonsense on social media.

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What are the defense in favour mobile phone usage by SHS students?

Students need to be in touch with their families and loved ones.
Parents can send money to their children directly without necessarily passing through teachers.
Sometimes these teachers take advantage of the students or they misuse the money.
Students can use it to do research for their assignment to complement their texbooks.
It can be used to aid learning and understanding. There are dozens of education apps online that promotes learning.
It brings creativity and innovation into the learning process. Students can take advantage of YouTube videos and other related resources to learn certain important skills outside the normal curriculum.
It will also alleviate the persistent conflict between students and teachers as a result of seizures.

If it’s included in the ICT or science curriculum to be taught, I strongly believe that, the addiction, abuse and distraction would be regulated if not completely eradicated. Students will now be exposed to the dangers of uploading nonsense videos and pictures on social media. As for the utility, I know parents and students alike would be ready to pay for the upward adjustment that comes as a result of changing of phones.