Should We Ban Mobile Phones at Work and School for Better Focus and Productivity?

Hi Friends, Please share your views and comments on the usage of mobile phones at the office as well as educational institutions. Is there any necessity to impose a ban on this? Will the ban on usage lead to better quality of work? How far can we implement this?

Students carrying cell phones to schools and colleges. How beneficial is it? Do they really need mobile phones? Awaiting your valuable response.

Regards, Swapna

Hi Swapna,

I feel the tech gizmo has become a part of the body for most individuals in today's tech world, and everybody is attached to it in one way or another (calls, SMS, etc.). Moreover, staying mobile has become a fashion too. But there are limitations to everything. Too much is too bad :).

Hence, I suggest my friends and co-employees minimize the use of mobile phones both inside and outside the office, and I request them to put their mobiles on silent mode. Maintaining a low profile while on the phone to stay in touch with those who need your presence makes sense. Mobile etiquette is a must.

For students, it's both an advantage and a disadvantage; it depends on one's perception.

Thanks and Regards,
Rupesh Reddy

Dear Swapna,

The use of mobile phones in offices/colleges is like two sides of a coin. We can't simply say to stop or proceed without thought. Before using them, we must consider if it is the right time to talk. If the conversation is not crucial, it is best to remain quiet. However, if it is important, then you can proceed with the call.

Using cell phones on college grounds does not create a good impression. Any essential messages will be communicated to individuals by the management. It is advisable to keep phones on silent mode in college/office settings to avoid disturbing others.

Regards,
Katyayani

Hi Swapna,

I feel that using cell phones in institutions or office premises should not be banned. It is one's own judgment when to use the cellphone and for what purpose. However, I strongly feel that it must be banned in schools.

Hi all,

Thanks a lot for sharing your views. I agree with Rupesh and Katyayani on keeping the phones in silent mode while at work. But do the employees really follow this concept? I strongly agree with Katyayani and Archna that mobile phones must be banned in schools.

Regards,
Swapna

Hi Swapna,

Sorry for being late!

Dear Swapna, in my opinion, mobile phone usage should not be allowed during working hours. Many people waste time by constantly receiving and sending SMS messages. A friend of mine in the UK mentioned that the use of mobile phones during working hours is prohibited there. The same applies to schools.

Best regards,
Jay

I understand that banning is not a solution at all. If we consider its purpose (keeping in touch with people, especially those who need us anytime or every time), then we will find that we cannot ban it, neither in schools/colleges nor in offices. Instead, we can limit it or apply strict rules.

I came to this topic with a purpose. Today, my office has banned mobile phones on office premises. See the email below from them:

"Any cell phone found on the floor would be confiscated and returned after a week only. Entire data (pics & videos) will be deleted, and disciplinary action would be taken."

Now, my wife is in her 9th month of pregnancy, and according to our doctors, she can go into labor anytime soon. In this case, I can't afford to miss any call from my home. What should I do?

This is just one scenario; I hope we all have different issues. So, I mean to say that one can be allowed to use a mobile phone under supervision or take a call after seeking permission from the managers. That's it.

Regards, Vishal Parmar