Thread by @EducatingStamio

Thread.
It appears banning phones is a more controversial idea than I anticipated. I don’t have time to reply individually to every comment or retweet comment so here’s a short thread of responses to the objections raised:

1. “Pupils use phones to take photographs for coursework.” Use an actual camera.

2. “Pupils use phones to take photographs of homework tasks”. Use a pen & write it out.

3. “We don’t have time to write down homework in lessons”. Make time.

4. “I record speaking and listening assessments”. Use an actual recording device (USB dictaphone: £2.50 on Amazon).

5. It’s how young people communicate now”. Allow them to use actual speaking and listening instead.

6. “Pupils need phones to contact parents in case there’s an emergency in school”. If there’s an emergency in school, I think you’ll find it’s the adult’s job to notify parents.

7. We’re demonstrating sensible & safe use in school”. No, you’re not. You’re allowing them to bully, access porn, obsess over likes, take selfies & create/encourage conflicts in your school.

8. “It’s a part of everyday life for children in the 21c”. That’s right, they’re addicted to screens- your job is to combat that not encourage it.

9. “Phones can be used to make lessons fun & engaging”. No, they really can’t.