Where else should mobile phones be banned?
The announcement this week that the Victorian State Government will ban the use of mobile phones in state schools during school hours may not be universally popular, said State Eductaion Minister James Merlino but was the “right thing to do”.
The ban aims to curb cyber-bullying and classroom distraction.
Phones must be kept in lockers, unless the child needs it for medical reasons, or it is mandated by teachers.
"Teachers are constantly asking kids to put their phones away. This is common sense," said Mr Merlino.
“It's not going to [absolutely] resolve cyberbullying but it will make a big difference. We cannot stamp it out. It is going to occur. But we can take some real steps to reduce the level of bullying."
The bans are not enforceable in private or independently funded schools.
I think this is a great idea. It also got me thinking, “where else could smartphones be banned?”
For one, music concerts. Another could be art galleries and museums, unless they are being used to take photos of artwork. Should phones be banned in libraries?
I’m all for bans in these places. Either that, or much of the public could use a little smartphone etiquette training. I was in a small gallery in Melbourne on the weekend and had to listen to some obnoxious person have a half-hour conversation with her partner on speakerphone, as he helped her decide which artwork to purchase. Maybe I’m a stickler for the sanctity of these places, but I found this gross and detestable. I really wish she checked her phone at the door.
Anyway, enough of my ranting, where do you think mobile phones should be banned or at least restricted?
pedestrians crossing the road are the worst offenders !