Following this trend, in a landmark policy change, schools from all around the island will introduce a ban on mobile phones starting this September. This decision follows increasing pressure around student safety online and over the ethical use of technology in schools. Sheriff Rob Ward introduced the updated rules. Here, he makes the case above for a more prepared, organized framework to get us through the overload of today’s fast-paced digital lifestyle.
Ward noted that the issues we face in this new online safety landscape are hardly new. He stated, “The challenges we face with online safety and appropriate use of future technology will not go away.” This was their reason for the ban, to foster a more distraction-free learning setting and eliminate these persistent problems for their students.
To help parents and guardians, consultation workshops will be held across the islands during the week starting 15 September. These discussions will focus on how to understand and address issues of living life online. Their goal is to provide parents with the resources to help them feel confident about guiding their kids’ tech time.
Besides the panel discussions, there will be exclusive sessions for parents taking place on 16 and 17 September. These workshops will be offered in person and via live stream, so any family who wants to participate will have the opportunity to do so. The example that their role model is setting Parents, it’s time to put down the devices and take back control. Most importantly, it encourages them to monitor what their children are viewing on their devices.
Ward’s letter to parents stated their new in-the-trenches responsibilities if they decide to send their kids to school with smartphones. He recommended that parents frequently remind their children to keep devices switched off and not carry them around during school hours. The policy states that if a smartphone is found in use during the school day, the school staff will confiscate it, following established behaviour policies.
Ward also addressed the issue of internet access, assuring that any devices using the school network would have safe access through safeguarding software. He understood that there is no one silver bullet answer to mitigate the threats that technology has introduced. He’s hopeful that implementing these measures will work to make the internet a safer place for students overall.
“There is not one answer to solve all of the complications that arise from it.” – Deputy Rob Ward
