Pope John's School
A recent incident at Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary has sparked significant discussion and concern. During a school assembly, students were ordered to destroy their confiscated mobile phones as a disciplinary measure. This dramatic action aimed to discourage others from bringing prohibited devices into the boarding school.
In a video that circulated on social media, students were seen using stones to smash their phones. The sight of young people visibly distressed while destroying their personal property left a strong impression on those who witnessed it. The event unfolded in front of their peers, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the school’s strict policies.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has long maintained that mobile phones are not allowed in senior high schools. In February 2020, then-Director-General Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa reiterated this rule, emphasizing that it is part of the regulations governing second-cycle institutions. However, he also acknowledged that some selected schools have begun piloting the use of mobile phones to adapt to the increasing technological demands of education.
The emotional response from the students raises questions about the effectiveness of such harsh measures. While the intention behind destroying the phones is to uphold school rules, it also reflects the challenges of balancing discipline with the realities of modern technology. Many young people rely on their phones for communication, information, and social interaction.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of technology in education. As schools grapple with strict regulations, the evolving landscape of technology necessitates a reevaluation of these policies. Engaging students in discussions about responsible phone usage might be a more constructive approach than punitive measures.
Watch the video below:
