Sir, – In the same way that we do not require a bike shed to contain granite or a security hut to have a fancy curved roof, we do not need to pay for complicated solutions to mobile phone use in secondary schools (“What are these smartphone ‘pouches’ being introduced in schools? And how do they work?”, News, October 3rd).
Most parents are in agreement that secondary pupils require phones while travelling to and from school, but not during the school day. This had added social benefit in that students talk to each other at break times, instead of aimlessly scrolling on social media sites.
However, to prevent phone use during school time, expensive pouches are not needed. Schools could simply have a rule that phones stay in lockers all day. If the school does not have lockers then the phone could stay in the student’s coat pocket or a communal basket instead, with appropriate sanctions for breaching of rules. The saving of €9 million could be better spent on sports, drama and music facilities for schools, which would be of holistic benefit. The Government needs to stop wasting our tax revenue and choose common sense every time. – Yours, etc,
HELEN GALLAGHER,
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Dublin 6.
Sir, – In addition to the purchase of phone pouches for schoolchildren, I suggest an extra 160 pouches are purchased and distributed to each TD to prevent the use of phones while the House is in session. – Yours, etc,
MARGARET TREANOR,
Dublin 13.
Sir, – €9 million on pouches for mobile phones. I was about to say, have we lost the plot? But the real question might be: are we continuing to lose the plot?
Answers by text, evidently. – Yours, etc,
PETER DECLAN O’HALLORAN,
Belturbet,
Co Cavan.