The Editor, Sir:

It seems that the determination of some students to clutch tightly to mobile phones at all cost, presents an 'enterprise opportunity' for schools.

A discreet charge paid to a bank which then provides uniquely identifiable permits to accompany similarly tagged phones, could reduce the number of cellular phones in schools. The technology exists. Plus, the number of cellular phones could be reduced by pricing some out of the market (classroom).

To prevent the risk of phones being even more of a status symbol, all phones should be deposited and locked inside cubicles on entering school.

This could create jobs for the clerks who would have to stand at the equivalent of a porter's lodge to facilitate the checking in or out of phones on entering or leaving school.

Fines and penalties

On-the-spot fines for not checking in phones could dissuade those with sticky fingers, as well as the tardy, who may be reluctant to deposit phones at check-in cubicles.

Failure to pay on-the-spot fines could lead to further penalties.

However, confiscating such phones and requiring an extra payment in order to retrieve them may restrain such tendencies.

If the demand for these phones is as strong as estimated, then additional funds would flood into the schools to fix windows, buy furniture or books, among other things.

Furthermore, some of the funds could facilitate breakfast pro-grammes to ensure more even-tempered students. And another student-calming device is thereby funded. The possibilities are endless if this dilemma is viewed through entrepreneurial eyes.

The charge might mean some students switch to using public payphones. If so, then put some payphones in schools, albeit far from the classrooms.

I am, etc.,

DONNA ANN WILSON

d.wilson27@btinternet.com

Via Go-Jamaica