Moutier bans cell phones from classrooms
In Moutier, in the Bernese Jura, elementary school students must turn in their cell phones before classes begin. The school administration hopes this will help prevent harassment and cyberbullying.
The schoolchildren deposit their cell phones in a box in the morning and early afternoon and receive them back after school, as Laurent Muehlethaler, head of the basic level (kindergarten and elementary school), explained to the SDA news agency on Monday. The cell phones also remain locked up during the breaks. The measure was not taken in response to a specific incident, said Muehlethaler. However, the "inappropriate" use of cell phones had increased. For example, a teacher had been filmed by pupils during lessons. Problems were also reported in the checkrooms and showers.
In addition, the number of filmed assaults ("happy slapping") is increasing. Although violence has not increased, it has become more visible thanks to new communication technologies and is circulating on social networks. A total of 680 pupils at three elementary school are affected by the seizure of cell phones during lessons. The measure is supported by the parents' council, the school commission and the teaching staff. (SDA)
Image: Keystone
