Why does Ho Chi Minh City propose banning students from using cell phones in schools?

After Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, directed the professional department to research and advise on a proposal to ban students from using mobile phones in schools, many opinions expressed agreement and believed that this regulation should be implemented immediately.

Schools agree and come up with solutions to help students not use phones in school

PHOTO: BICH THANH

Need to act now to protect children's rights

One of the instructions of Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, when meeting with specialized departments, was to request the Student Affairs Department to research and advise on a proposal to not allow students to use mobile phones during recess and duringeducational activities at school (except in cases where subject teachers allow it to perform service tasks during class hours).

This directive has received attention from schools, teachers, and parents; many of whom said it should be done immediately to protect children's rights.

Master Huynh Thanh Phu, Principal of Bui Thi Xuan High School, Ben Thanh Ward (old District 1), Ho Chi Minh City, said that banning students from using mobile phones is a reasonable decision.

Recently, more and more countries around the world have issued bans on students using phones in schools, including during class and playtime. Developed education systems are seeing the negative side of children's dependence on electronic devices. This is no longer a temporary trend but is gradually becoming a sustainable educational trend: prioritizing mental health, comprehensive development and humanity.

According to Mr. Phu, banning the use of cell phones in schools also receives the overwhelming majority of parents' approval because their children need to grow up in a healthy learning environment, without technology dominating every aspect of their lives, especially when they are at the age of forming their personalities.

In addition, Ho Chi Minh City is building and implementing a happy school model, so it also needs pedagogical principles in the field of discipline but must be full of humanity. When schools allow students to freely use their phones, it will inadvertently create a "noise zone" that is difficult to control: students lose concentration, cheat on tests, watch inappropriate content, are bullied online and even live a deviant life because of chasing virtual models on social networks.

According to teachers, without using phones, students will increase concentration and learning efficiency.

PHOTO: D.NT

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The benefits of banning cell phone use

Mr. Huynh Thanh Phu cited the benefits of banning students from using cell phones in school.

According to Mr. Phu, first of all, it increases concentration and learning efficiency. "When there are no more bells, messages or attractive games from phones interrupting each class, students are able to pay more attention to the lecture, and teachers can also feel secure in teaching, without having to constantly remind them," Mr. Phu analyzed.

Next is reducing cheating. When phones are no longer present, cheating will be more difficult, thereby building a culture of honest and fair testing.

Banning cell phones in schools also aims to protect students' physical and mental health. Mr. Phu said: "Seeing students increasingly hunchbacked, nearsighted, and with neck and shoulder pain because of hunching over screens, adults cannot help but be startled. Many students also have sleep disorders, depression, and behavioral disorders just because of their dependence on cell phones. Banning cell phones is a proactive step to maintain student health."

Reduce school violence and cyberbullying. Many videos of fights being filmed and spread in schools are from students’ phones. From here, many students are ridiculed and humiliated, leading to psychological crises. When phones are no longer easily available to students, cyberbullying will also decrease.

This is also an opportunity to improve direct communication skills. A modern paradox is that the more connection tools there are, the more isolated people become. Many students are poor communicators, unable to listen or respond because they are used to typing instead of talking. Removing phones from class time forces students to talk, empathize and share with their eyes and sincere words. This strengthens the connection between students and teachers and friends. Breaktime is no longer a time to sit silently with phones, but a time to play, tell stories and share the joy of school.

Promote equality in the classroom. Cell phones create a clear gap between students with and without access to technology. The student with the latest iPhone is easily the center of attention, while the student with the old one is self-conscious and ridiculed. When everyone is cell phone-free, equality is restored.

Promote discipline and self-control. An environment with rules and limits helps children learn respect and self-regulation. Without phones, students will practice the ability to control their desires, plan their time, and be more self-disciplined in their studies, core qualities of future citizens.

Create conditions for teachers to teach more effectively. Teachers no longer have to worry about looking down, headphones hidden under hair or texting during class. This increases the quality of communication and two-way interaction between teachers and students.

Build the habit of living authentically. Nowadays, "virtual living" is causing many students to misunderstand their own values, living only for "likes" and "comments". Schools need to help students return to real values: study for real, play for real, live for real.

However, many high school teachers, although agreeing with banning students from using cell phones, still wonder whether this goes against the trend of digital technology.

Master Huynh Thanh Phu believes that digital education does not mean letting students get addicted to their phones. When technology is needed, schools can still organize computer classes, practice with computers, and use smart screens to present lectures, but everything must be done at the right time, in the right place, and with the right purpose.

Schools need to organize activities during recess to create conditions for students to bond.

Photo: Thuy Hang

Replace your phone with a real experience

Also in the direction on developing a plan to ban students from using cell phones, Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu requested the professional department to consult on a plan to organize activities during recess to create conditions for students to bond, and organize sports activities for students to improve their health.

With the above directive, a high school teacher in Binh Thoi Ward (old District 11), Ho Chi Minh City, commented that schools need to reorganize a learning environment rich in experiences and emotions.

For example, the football club organizes tournaments; the badminton club organizes competitions, shuttlecock and badminton tournaments; or the art club organizes flashmob dance performances... Instead of surfing the phone in class, students will be filled with laughter when participating in club activities.

In addition, the library invests in age-appropriate books, builds an open reading corner, and encourages students to write their thoughts; renovates the school yard into a space for learning and exercise: installs chess boards, gym equipment, table tennis, foosball, etc. The school gym allows students to practice physical training with the right techniques...

This teacher also suggested that schools regularly organize experiential activities such as business visits, learning about farming, survival skills, STEM education (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)... School startup rooms carry out small projects for students to test ideas and learn about management.

"These spaces and activities not only fill the empty phone time, but also open the door to skills, friendships, and dreams for each student," said a teacher in Binh Thoi Ward (HCMC).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-tphcm-de-xuat-cam-hoc-sinh-su-dung-dien-thoai-di-dong-trong-truong-hoc-185250711183104777.htm