Should mobile phones be banned in schools?

UAE's influencers voice their opinions

With technological advancements making mobile phones an ubiquitous aspect in everybody's life, it comes as no surprise that banning mobile phones in schools has become a furiously argued topic. There are advocates on both sides - but I take this side: mobile phones should be banned in schools. They can be the biggest evil of the present era. From cyberbullying to cheating in exams and other illegal activities, this tiny gadget has gained a bad reputation.
Even a responsible adult like me who works eight hours straight cannot resist the temptation of scrolling through social media during busy office hours. So definitely, if mobile phones are allowed in schools, it will affect the concentration of students, thereby decreasing their productivity. They can also get negatively influenced by the wrong content, thwarting their overall growth and personality.
I belong to that 90s kid category who had an active and fun-filled childhood. So, these days, when I see kids with mobile phones in malls, play areas, trains and even in schools, I feel saddened because of this gadget's influence in moulding  an unhealthy generation without any interpersonal skills.  I completely understand that parents want their kids to carry phones with them for safety reasons, but I don't see any cause for them to be in classrooms.
Kids tend to spend their time with gadgets at home. Schools (without mobile phones) are the only tech-free and active  zones for students. Let them remain so.
Rukku Sumaya is a blogger based in Dubai. Follow her on Instagram: @rukkusumayya; Website: adameshandbook.com

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Allowing cellphones in schools would be equivalent to providing  an open invitation to distraction. One could say it is not at all needed, especially for kids  in lower grades. Apart from creating a lot of distraction, phones  give rise to unwanted competition, as students with expensive latest models will overwhelm those who have low-cost or old phones.
Features such as internet access and video gaming capabilities are the biggest distractions. And students could use their phones for all sorts of mischief. Moreover, before mobile phones and internet connections, bullying was limited to face-to-face physical and verbal abuse. Now, cyberbullying follows students home, where they should feel safe.
These are the drawbacks. But, we now live in a world where mobiles have become an essential part of our lives. In this fast-paced world, it is important that children are aware and adept with the latest technology. Keeping children completely away from them is unhealthy. 
The fact remains that phones are useful in cases of emergency. It keeps students connected. Yes, students' social life is very important.  At the same time, they cannot live life without being technologically savvy. Very soon, they will be out of school, facing the real world and hence, should be aware of what is happening around them.
The key is to have a balance and to educate them on the dangers of misuse. Schools should take the lead in this and educate the students instead of completely banning phones from their premises.  

Kamna Angirash is a Zumba instructor and an artist. Follow her on: Facebook vaishnav.kamna; Instagram: kamna_angirash