I have just read an article on the BBC News website about proposed new powers for school head teachers which will allow them to search for mobile phones and even check the content of the devices.
As a parent I’m torn on this matter. I can see the logic and potential benefits of child protection and the prevention of bullying. But I can also see the issues around serious invasions of privacy, data protection and confidentiality.
Mobile phones these days are more than just telephones. They have the power to be used for a huge range of purposes including internet access, email, online shopping and banking, social networking, taking photos and videos as well as the more traditional phone and text uses.
In addition, there is the likelihood that future technology will take us down the route of contactless payments with mobile phones.
So the question is should teachers and school officials have the authority to search devices containing this kind of data? And what if the device is security protected or encrypted as Secure Thinking would recommend? Will schools be given RIPA like powers to force pupils to hand over password?
And then what of accusations aimed at teachers of breaches of privacy where they do access data on a phone? And where is the line drawn with access to social networks and other resources for which a phone can be used as access but isn’t a actually “on” the phone?
When you really look into the implications I believe such legislation should be blocked in favour of a more common sense and pragmatic approach. Perhaps a solution where phones are merely confiscated for the day if they are being used by pupils.