Hong Kong schools must balance phone policy against student concerns
Backlash at Kwun Tong Maryknoll College shows schools need to work with students and parents to develop guidelines
Form Three and Four pupils at the boys’ school Kwun Tong Maryknoll College were told on April 30 they would not be allowed to use phones on campus, and their devices were to be stored in lockers and accessible only at designated times. Pupils and their families were warned that those who broke the rules would lose four demerits and risk having their phones confiscated.
One student raised a valid point during the petition process, writing that if the goal of administrators was to foster self-discipline, a phone ban was akin to barring a student who often trips from walking or to “not teach the student how to balance to avoid falling down”.
Administrators also have valid concerns about evidence that device use can worsen mental health, myopia, social media bullying and more. However, most secondary schools in the city have imposed less restrictive policies.
Some require phones be simply switched off or put away while on campus. Violators may have to give up their phones for one school day as warning notes are sent to their parents.