The suspensions of eight Milnerton High School pupils who assaulted a fellow student on school grounds, and the subsequent court appearances on accusations of physical assault highlight the violent nature in our society that has been transferred to the educational environment. Similar incidents have occurred in other provinces. The fact that these incidents were recorded on video, and then widely shared on social media to the world’s eyes, further fuels the global debates about the use of mobile phones and social networks in schools to ensure online safety. The inadvertent disclosure of the pupils’ addresses online further highlights how the failure to protect sensitive personal data can further leave all of us vulnerable to security risks and secondary real-world harms. Access to sensitive data, such as addresses, emails, images, locations, etc., can facilitate tech-facilitated harms like deepfakes and doxxing. Data protection has never before been so important. Connected, engaged, sharing, posting. Even during the school day, our children’s world is characterized by these characteristics. Videos like these, while demonstrating how technology, such as smartphones, immersive technologies, games, and social media continue to influence the way that we live and communicate, should make us concerned. Other jurisdictions have considered several measures that would restrict the use of mobile phones and social media by children who are underage. This has become a topical issue globally, setting the world apart, with those in favour strongly arguing that decisive action must be taken to safeguard children’s well-being. A ban can create a crucial layer of protection during formative years, and it will send a clear message that children’s safety online and healthy development are paramount. The focus should be on broader solutions, including digital literacy, reforming existing harmful digital communications legislation and working collaboratively across government and tech platforms to foster a safer online environment because the internet is deeply ingrained into all of our lives, including our children’s.Although the move to ban, restrict and/or delay access to mobile phones or social media platforms for the underage is gradually gaining traction in countries, SA does not have a firm policy position. The emergence of videos like Milnerton High’s suggests that the country cannot continue to take a sedentary approach if safer learning environments must be created in schools and society. Cyberbullying has been responsible for the death of one student at Mbilwi high school. This is only the tip of the iceberg. A sedentary approach can’t be an option, given the increasing trends of online harms by children targeting fellow learners.As a country, we can’t look shocked and be set on a crisis communication mode every time incidents of online harms sprout at schools. The scales are tipping towards a type of delayed or restricted access. Through a consultative approach, the government should provide policy directives which are balanced, comprehensive and evidence-based in order to tackle the issues that arise from phone usage both inside and outside of schools. This can co-exist with empowering children to competently and confidently navigate the future digital world.Dr Boloka is the CEO of OS Lab – a startup which exists to promote and pioneer online safety in Africa.
2025-10-31 07:35:05
Banning phones at school protects pupils from online harm
