Student sample for assessment
Written by a Year 5 student in Maribyrnong, Victoria, Australia.
Dear Principal,
I oppose the proposed phone ban at school. While I understand some concerns about distraction, a complete ban is too extreme and creates unnecessary difficulties for students and families.
Students rely on phones for legitimate reasons. Parents contact students about pick-up changes or emergencies during the day. A complete ban prevents important communication when we need it. Additionally, some students with disabilities depend on phone applications for learning support and accessibility features. A blanket ban discriminates against these students unfairly.
The premise that phones cause distraction is oversimplified. The actual distraction comes from inappropriate use during learning time. A more effective approach would be teaching students when phone use is acceptable, rather than eliminating access completely. This develops self-regulation skills that matter beyond school.
The proposed ban treats all students as inherently untrustworthy. Year 5 and 6 students need opportunities to demonstrate responsibility, not rules that assume we will automatically misuse technology.
I respectfully request that the school implement a more nuanced approach that distinguishes between appropriate and inappropriate phone use at school.
Yours sincerely, A Year 5 Student