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Cellphones promote pornography among school children – Senators

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Senators on Thursday quizzed Primary and Secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora over the use of gadgets such as cellphones and tablets by school children saying these had the potential of promoting pornography.

Senators on Thursday quizzed Primary and Secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora over the use of gadgets such as cellphones and tablets by school children saying these had the potential of promoting pornography.

by VENERANDA LANGA

The issue was first raised by senator chief Enos Musarurwa during question and answer session. He demanded to know government policy regarding the issue.

Dokora said Zimbabweans should not fight technology, adding these multimedia gadgets were very essential for use by school children. “We encourage use of tablets from early childhood development (ECD) up to Form Six,” Dokora said.

“However, guidance is given to children by teachers who close off some sites that are not suitable for children.”

Another senator chief Ngungumbane said Dokora should further clarify if parents were first consulted if they were in favour of their children using phones and tablets at schools.

Dokora answered: “Every school has rules on how technology at its institution will be used. There are some internet sites used by former group ‘A’ schools which actually put different assignments and notices for their students. Some children have no access to computers, but that information will be provided for them to assist in their school work.”

He said ICT tools did not affect the education system, adding cellphones nowadays were as good as computers because of the different functions installed on them.

“Teachers can even create WhatsApp groups and deposit work on them that is supposed to be done by students. Our children are aware of the power of technology and they are able to use it. We have two types of Maths examinations and in one of them ‘O’ level students are even allowed to use calculators. Cellphones today work as computers and people can do Maths calculations on them,” said Dokora.

Some senators felt that allowing the use of cellphones and tablets would make learning easier for students who will end up not working hard.

But Dokora said children should come out of the education system with such skills as use of modern technology, adding Zimbabweans must embrace it.