Go to school to learn, not play with mobile phones - parents

"Go to school to study, not to play with phones."

These are the cries of concerned parents who have urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider its decision on the use of mobile phones in schools.

Allowing students to carry mobiles phones to schools will distract teaching and learning process, said parents.

This view came after Kedah State Education, Transport and Works Committee chairman Datuk Tajul Urus Mat Zain urged the Ministry to reconsider its decision, recently.

Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Jalil Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) chairman Noorfajri Ismail said students should just stay focused on their education.

"Schools must remain as an educational institution. Allow them (the students) to focus on education. Make the most out of their time in school. After that, it is up to the students if they want to use mobile phones.

"I'm a lecturer and from my observation some university students are unable to focus during lectures when they have their phones with them. If this is the normal occurrence to those aged 17 and above, what about the students who are much younger,” he said when contacted by Astro AWANI, here today.

Noorfajri also expressed his concern about the misuse of mobile phones, which has been the number one worrying factor amongst parents.

"Mobile phones now are up-to-date and they are equipped with social media applications. The responsible use of mobile phones and social media, are still lacking among youngsters.

“I'm particularly worries because the students can record bully incidents and snap photos of their classmates . They can get really 'creative' if they dislike their teachers. They snap photos of their teachers, edit the images and share them on social media,” he added.

When asked to comment on the use of mobile phones during cases of emergency, he said the school has its own procedures in contacting the parents.

"I have experienced this personally once. The school office would contact the parents using the school’s phone during cases of emergency. If not, I'm pretty sure the teachers are equipped with their own communication devices,” said Noorfajri.

Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Damansara PIBG chairman Nik Faruk Fadzil said although mobile phones are a necessity, other factors must be considered too.

"There are so many other factors, such as storing, safekeeping and the time it can be used. There are other teething issues but the schools should have a designated place to keep the phones before considering it from other angles.

"What if the phones are stolen? Parents will point fingers and blame different parties,” he said.

Sekolah Kebangsaan Wangsa Maju Zon R10 PIBG chairman Mohd Suhaimi Abdul Hamid said the recommendation would require close supervision as well as discipline.

"There is no problem, as long as the phone is switched off during class time but even this requires monitoring.

"Secondly, there are other problems such as thefts and misuse which require disciplinary action. For example, the phone would be confiscated if students are found playing games,” said Suhaimi.

Meanwhile, a mother expressed her disagreement over the proposal to allow the use of mobiles phones in schools.

Ayu Zulkifli who has a son about to enter Form Three said students should just focus on their studies and and not meddle with their mobile phones during school sessions.

“That’s the point of going to school, right? Not to WhatsApp, play 'Angry Birds' or update social media,” she said.

Ayu also said school officials will contacts parents should there be any cases of emergency.