Student Council Rejects Proposed Mobile Phone Ban at AHS

Students at Anderson High School (AHS) have expressed strong opposition to a proposed ban on mobile phones during school hours, labeling such a measure as “excessive” and a form of “punishment.” The concerns were articulated by the school’s Student Representative Council (SRC), which issued a statement reflecting the views of the student body.

The discussion surrounding mobile phone use at AHS intensified after a petition initiated by concerned parents last year called for a complete ban during school hours. This petition suggested that students should store their phones in bags or safe deposit boxes. Parents reported that some children were able to access apps like TikTok and Snapchat at school, which they are not permitted to use at home.

In response, Shetland Islands Council has conducted consultations with teachers, parents, and students regarding mobile phone policies. A report summarizing these discussions is expected to be presented to councillors on November 17, 2023. The SRC, however, firmly stated that they do not support a blanket ban on phones, citing several practical and social concerns.

Concerns Raised by Students

The SRC highlighted the role of mobile phones in students’ daily lives, emphasizing their utility for making appointments and organizing after-school activities. The council noted that for some students, particularly those who find social interactions challenging, having access to their phones during breaks serves as a vital support system.

One of the council’s key arguments against the ban was the potential for increased isolation and vulnerability among students. They warned that if mobile phones were prohibited, students could face heightened risks of cyberbullying outside of school where they would lack supervision, making them more susceptible to harmful interactions.

Additionally, the SRC raised concerns about the ramifications for students exempted from the ban due to health needs or anxiety. They posited that these individuals could become targets for bullying, simply because they are allowed to use their phones.

The SRC articulated apprehension that restricting phone access during school hours could lead to greater addiction outside of school, as students might compensate for lost screen time after classes. They argued that a device would be necessary for every child if phones were not permitted.

Mixed Views on Mobile Phone Policies

A perspective from Beenie-Ann Wood, a student from Brae Secondary School and now a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, underscored the potential negative consequences of a widespread ban. In a piece for Shetland News last December, Wood noted that many students believed such a policy could heighten stress levels and disrupt their well-being.

Parents’ petitions have also echoed concerns about the implications of mobile phone use in schools. While some parents advocate for restrictions to minimize distractions and mitigate mental health impacts, they also cite issues like access to inappropriate content and privacy violations as critical reasons for their support of a ban.

Councillors on the Shetland Islands Council’s Education and Families Committee are set to review the report on mobile phone usage in schools, with an aim to establish guidelines that balance educational outcomes with the health and safety of students. The council has expressed its commitment to developing effective policies that address these multifaceted concerns.