How can I explain when it's appropriate, and when it's not appropriate, to use mobile devices in public?
Your school should provide guidelines about the use of mobile devices in classrooms and elsewhere on school premises in its Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
But, the school environment is not the only place in which it might not be appropriate to use a mobile device.
When you're texting someone, choosing a new track on your MP3 player or emailing someone from your PDA, you can't possibly concentrate on everything that's going on around you.
So, it's a good idea to recommend to your students that they don't use these kind of devices when they're walking or cycling down the street.
And, if they're over 17, remind them that it's illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving - the penalty is £60 and three penalty points. You can direct them to the Department for Transport website for further information
Did you know?
Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving means you are four times more likely to crash (Source: Department for Transport, 2008)
They should also be made aware that responsible use of technologies involves being considerate to others - for example, not using your mobile in public places like cinemas, cafes and on buses or trains and not using camera phones in changing rooms and other inappropriate places.