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| Cayon High |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 6TH 2006 - The Ministry of Education said Monday that its policy allowing cell phones by teachers and students in schools are governed by strict guidelines.
The Ministry issued the policy for use of cell phones by students and teachers in school and its Department and Ministry personnel, following what it said was much public debate in recent weeks.
It said while the policy permits students to carry cellular phones to schools with the permission of their parents, all cell phones are to be turned off on entering the school premises.
"All cell phones must be concealed and will be confiscated if seen or heard while engaged in any learning or school activity," said the statement.
The Ministry said that on no account will cell phones be permitted on school compounds in the possession of persons sitting exams, during the conduct of major examinations, such as school promotional examinations and CXC examinations.
It said the cell phones of students are liable to forfeiture by the school authorities for breach of these regulations.
The Ministry of Education advised the general public, particularly parents, that school principals have been instructed to enforce this policy and that cell phones confiscated for breaching the guidelines will not be returned to students before the end of the term in which the phone was confiscated.
Cell phones that have been confiscated may be given to parents on request; however, the student will not be allowed to bring any cell phone to school for the remainder of the term.
The Ministry said that the cell phones of teachers must be turned off completely while conducting classes, supervising students in any school activity, or attending a function for teachers.
"Teachers" cell phones can be turned on in the staff room, during non-teaching time, during school recess periods and after the dismissal of school," said the statement.
With regard to the use of cell phones by Staff of the Ministry of Education, the statement said its officials have an obligation to set the right example and accordingly the essential principles governing the use of cell phones apply to staff members.
"Cell phones are to be turned off completely when attending meetings. Proper protocol of use requires that any officer needing to maintain access during the course of the meeting, seek the permission of the meeting to do so and if granted, the cell phone must be kept in vibrate mode," said the statement.
It said the same guidelines that seek to safeguard the abuse of line telephones at the workplace apply to cell phone use and officers are to exercise discretion in the use of cell phones and ensure that working hours and productivity are not disrupted by casual conversation. Cell phones are to be kept on either vibrate mode or low ring.
The Ministry of Education said it invites written submissions from the general public on the cell phone policy, either in support, or with amendments of the policy, for consideration.
