ZHAO ZHIZHONG, a professor of geography at Hainan Normal University, recently proposed to amend the law and forbid pupils below the age of 16 to use smartphones. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

With the prosperity of the economy, many families choose to buy a smartphone for their children at school to search for materials and assist in studying. However, when children get their smartphones, the situation is different.

In and out of class, the pupils have smartphones in their hands. While walking, they hold them in their hands. While enjoying their lunch, they hold them in their hands. Even on the bed before sleeping, they hold one in their hands.

It seems the heavy addiction to smartphones is affecting ever more pupils at young ages. They, just like their parents, have become enslaved by smartphones.

The addiction to smartphones, which is popular among pupils, is a problem that affects them in many aspects. It distracts them from their academic studies and prevents them from talking with each other.

That's why quite many people agree to limit the use of smartphones among pupils. That's also why Zhao's proposal got quite a wide welcome among the public.

However, it remains doubtful whether a simple ban is proper, because smartphones, if used well, do play a key role in helping the pupils get wider access to the outside world and broaden their horizon. Besides, the school might not have the power to forbid pupils from using their own properties that do not pose harm to others.

There are certain countries that limit pupils from using smartphones in class but allow them to use them after it. The actual effect remains to be seen, but that can offer some food for thought.

For example, the legislature can amend the law so as to forbid the use of smartphones in the classroom. Perhaps a child mode for smartphones can also be introduced so that children can only use them for a certain amount of time every day. A ban can be considered, but it should be flexible and avoid being too rigid.