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Generation
C - cell phones wreaking havoc in St Vincent schools
With
the liberalisation of the telecommunications industry here in
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the cellular phone, formerly a
symbol of prestige and status, has become available to all and
sundry.
The
youth of our nation, without doubt, have taken advantage of the
situation and use the commodity for a range of purposes.
Many
youths use their cell phones to keep in contact with friends and
others claim that it is a way of 'taking the burden off parents
who had to pay exorbitant telephone bills'. To others cell phones
are more of a convenience as evidenced by their ability to store
numbers, note important appointments, and to send and receive
text messages and e-mails.
The
unprecedented availability of cell phones to our youth has led
many to conclude that immorality and promiscuity among youths
could increase as they are faced with the costs for the upkeep
of such commodities. Others claim that there could also be an
increase in crimes and other activities as they believe that 'persons
would do anything to get a cell phone'. The issue of violence
related to cell phones has already surfaced. It was reported that
a woman and her daughters accused another women of stealing their
cell phone, and allegedly beat the accused woman without mercy.
This came on the heels of the campaign dubbed 'mobile madness'
by the then sole telecommunications provider, Cable and Wireless.
While
the liberalisation of the telecommunications industry here has
led to several legal battles among key players, there is the possibility
of a war between school administrators and their clients. This
battle is concerned with the misuse of the device by students.
Recently
in Barbados some schools had to take drastic measures to curb
what is now referred to as 'cell phone madness'. Similar measures
may also have to be taken here as there have been reports from
a number of schools about cell phones becoming a nuisance.
Several
complaints are being aired on the radio stations by callers voicing
their opinions on this situation. Students also complain about
not being able to concentrate in an environment where 'every five
minutes a cell phone rings'.
Some
educational institutions are already putting measures in place
to halt and correct the developing situation. Signs are being
placed around schools reminding students to turn off their phones
before entering classrooms, labs, libraries and other noise-free
zones. Teachers have also threatened to evict students whose cell
phones disrupt class sessions. One principal commentating on the
situation stated 'Three out of every four students now have a
cell phone. The school can no longer deal with the problems. Hence
we may have to resort to the Ministry of Education for assistance'.
An
appeal is being made to the nation's youth to use their cell phones
wisely and with consideration for others especially in institutions
of learning and in public places such as theatres and libraries.
The
Vincentian (Young Vincentian), 6 June 2003
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