Ban on cell-phone use in classrooms now effective
Guyana Chronicle
April 21, 2007
(GINA) The Ministry of Education has issued a circular to all schools’ administrators informing them of the prohibition of cell phone use during classroom sessions. The ban came into effect yesterday.
At a press conference at the Ministry of Education, Minister of Education Shaik Baksh noted that this is in keeping with the Ministry’s mandate to ensure that all learners benefit from the maximum instructional time allocated for each school day.
The Minister said that should a student be found using a cell-phone or any similar gadget or device during a class session or students’ assembly, that student will be suspended for a minimum of three days in the first instance.
A student can also be suspended if found leaving a classroom session to use a cell-phone.
Minister Baksh also noted that all schools will be given ‘No cell usage’ signs to display prominently.
On March 9, the Ministry announced that students would not be allowed to use cell phones in classrooms with effect from the new school term in April.
The Ministry’s decision to prohibit the use of mobile phones follows reports of students indiscriminately using the instruments while classes are in session, and this is disruptive.
The Minister said that this situation was becoming a problem in schools across the country.
He called on teachers to lead by example.
Prior to this decision, the Ministry held consultations with heads and deputy heads of schools in Georgetown and consensus was reached to implement this rule.