Mayo parent welcomes new approach to smartphones

A Mayo father-of-three has welcomed a new smartphone policy for primary schools, which was introduced last week by Minister for Education Norma Foley.

Minister Foley launched the new policy to encourage parents to avoid buying smartphones for primary school-aged children.

Brendan Lavelle, a father of three from Keenagh, told the Western People he welcomed the new policy due to the negative effects of smartphones on children.

“Phones, and in particular, smartphones, are having a negative impact on our children. Way too much screen time is leading to poor interactions between children, families and friends,” he said.

“Modern technology is great but there is too much of it in our primary schools today. Too much time is spent on iPads, laptops and other smart devices in schools. Something like handwriting could become a thing of the past.”

Mr Lavelle said a greater level of physical exercise should be encouraged too.

“Minister Foley, a teacher herself, has to curtail the use of smart devices in primary schools and encourage more physical exercise.”

Mr Lavelle said staff working in schools should also be asked to cut back on their use of devices while on school grounds.

“I have passed by schools in the last number of years where staff on yard duties are also plugged into a phone.

“This is very unprofessional and sets a poor example to the children they are supervising. This must end immediately.”