As B.C. students return to school after the winter break, BC Unionist Party Leader Kevin Falcon has reiterated their education commitment: If the Unionist Party is in power, it will completely ban the use of mobile phones in kindergarten to grade 12 classrooms. This policy aims to solve the current distraction problem in student learning and improve students' academic performance and classroom concentration.
The need for a mobile phone ban
Feng Yiqian pointed out that more and more research and evidence show that the use of mobile phones in the classroom has a significant negative impact on students' learning. Parents and teachers are also increasingly concerned about the issue. Most recently, B.C. ranked poorly in the 2023 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), with math scores in particular well below the national average. These issues need to be addressed urgently to ensure that students can focus on their studies and improve their overall academic performance.
The auxiliary function of mobile phone jammer
To ensure effective enforcement of cell phone bans, schools may consider using cell phone jammers . Cell phone jammers can block cell phone signals in specific areas, preventing students from using their phones for entertainment during teaching hours. This not only reduces classroom disruptions, but also encourages students to participate more in class discussions and activities, improving learning outcomes.
Secure storage solutions
Mr Fung promised that if the United Party were in power, lockers would be provided to schools that currently lack secure storage space. The lockers will be used to store students' cell phones and will be supervised by teachers. Students can take out their mobile phones and use them during lunch breaks and after school. This measure is not only low-cost, but also easy to implement, and can effectively manage students' mobile phone use during school.
Success stories and research support
Other provinces such as Quebec and Ontario have taken the lead in implementing similar cell phone bans, with some success. Research shows that limiting cell phone use can improve students' concentration and academic performance, especially for students with lower grades.
Social and parental support
This policy of the BC United Party has been supported by the majority of parents, who believe that it will help students focus on learning and reduce unnecessary distractions. While former Vancouver School Board president Patti Bacchus said cellphones have not been a big issue in her experience, she acknowledged they can interfere with learning. Therefore, student cell phone use can be managed more effectively through the combined use of cell phone bans and blockers.
Conclusion
The BC Coalition has promised to take immediate steps to ban cellphones in K-12 classrooms and provide necessary storage facilities if it comes to power. This initiative, combined with the use of cell phone blockers, can not only effectively reduce distractions in class, but also improve students' academic performance and concentration. It is believed that with the promotion of this policy, the quality of education in BC will be further improved, and students will achieve better academic achievements in a more focused and orderly learning environment.
