Principal wants phones banned

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
A SCHOOL principal has suggested banning mobile phones in schools, saying the phones are affecting the students’ academic performance.
Dusty Imaita, the principal of the Salamaua High School in the Huon Gulf district of Morobe, called for tougher regulations.
“Students’ academic performance will pick up if mobile phones are banned in schools,” he said.
“I have seen some students improving academically after we stopped students bringing mobile phones to class.
“It is good, especially for schools outside the city as students need to have full concentration on their studies.”
Imaita, who has been in education for more than 20 years, said banning mobile phones would contribute to better quality education.
“I urge the Morobe government to do that because it is a distraction,” he said.
“It disturbs students’ study attitudes and it influences their daily behaviour.”
Salamaua High School, which is an hour’s boat ride away from Lae city, caters for grades 9 and 10 from the district, and even students from Lae and Nawaeb districts.
Imaita said a recent awareness programme at the school by Morobe students from the University of Papua New Guinea was very uplifting for the students.
“Apart from raising the concerns about the use of mobile phones, students discussed social issues related to drugs and alcohol.”
“The society has controlled and shaped the mindset of students, but in schools, the school administration and teachers need to show them what is right and good for them.”
Imaita said a current example of a government banning mobile phones in schools was France, “and we as a third world country should learn from them”.