By JONATHON HOWARD
A SNAP survey at Sunshine Beach High has revealed most students now carry smart phones and many admitted they could not go without their device.
Several teachers also commented that the phone was playing an increasing role in the classroom as an educational tool. However, teachers are also being forced to confiscate devices or even eject some students from classrooms temporarily for misusing their devices in class.
Sunshine Beach High principal Leanne Jensen-Steele said students found to be misusing smart phones and other devices can be suspended.
“The use of mobile smart phones is something we take very seriously,” she said.
“If we find a student is misusing the device whether that be in the content they are viewing or bullying someone for example, then that student can face suspension.”
To find out more, Noosa Today asked four Year 12 students how many hours they spend on their phones and could they live without a smart device?
1. “I use the phone about three hours per day. I think I do worry that I use the phone too much, but it’s something to do and you find you need it at times,”
Rachel Foster, Noosa.
2. “About five hours on a Saturday. My phone goes everywhere with me. I am concerned about excessive phone usage – it’s a waste of time when I could be doing better things,” Jayde Fitzsimmons, Noosa.
3. “About five hours on a weekend. I’m not really concerned about excessive use, I only use the phone to contact people not for the other features,” Jarrod Fischer, Noosa.
