Rant-Vision Blamed For School Phone Ban

Tue, April 18, 2006

Source: Teaching Times

A new phenomenon of goading teachers into losing their temper so that they can be filmed has resulted in a call for the complete ban of mobile phones in lessons.

A new phenomenon of goading teachers into losing their temper so that they can be filmed has resulted in a call for the complete ban of mobile phones in lessons.
 
Staff have complained that they are often provoked by pupils so they can be filmed on phones. The video clips are then circulated to other phones.

In one recent incident, a male pupil allegedly took inappropriate pictures of a female teacher.

Unions are now calling for a ban on mobile phones in lessons to deal with the problem.

The ‘rant-vision’ phenomenon has caused such concern that it was discussed at the annual conference of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, at the Sage music centre, in Gateshead.

Government proposals in its Education Bill recommend that mobile phones should be confiscated if used inappropriately.

A spokesman for the National Union of Teachers, said: “If this new legislation goes through, it should help to deal with this problem of mobile phones being used inappropriately. I think that would help to quickly alleviate problems of this kind.

“Mobile phones should not be used in lesson time, and should remain turned off or only used in designated areas of the school. They can be a very important resource for pupils to have, but only when used at the right times.”

 Schools should start thinking more seriously about adopting a code of practice. 

A spokesman for NASUWT said: “I am aware that this is a problem and has caused concerns for teachers in our region.

“Some schools are now starting to ban mobile phones, and maybe schools should start thinking more seriously about adopting a code of practice, like hospitals and courts do, to make sure phones are not being used during class time.”

http://www.teachingtimes.com/