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Bette's avatar

I worked for a federal government agency where no phones were allowed in the buildings. There were carrels located outside each building and you locked your phone inside before entering. I find it astounding that phones are EVER allowed in meetings. I'd like to ban them from all types of workplaces -- hospitals, construction sites, caretaking facilities, medical offices -- basically anywhere anyone should be paying attention to their work, which is not on their phones.

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Lani V. Cox's avatar

I've been teaching English overseas for about 14 years, most of it in SE Asia. And I can tell you the transformation that phones have brought into the classroom is a little heartbreaking. In the past, you'd walk into the class and the students would be chatting and socializing. Now, they sit quietly on their phones, or just sit there. Some schools have a no phone policy, while others allow them to use it during their breaks, etc, but where I'm at the kids are allowed to bring them and while most of them don't look at them, they are a distraction, and you can see the kids peeking down at their devices.

I applaud you trying to use your phone less. Yes, they are damn amazing and convenient. I, too, use it for everything, it seems, but for me I remind myself that it's a tool. I use it, not the other way around. Airplane mode is your friend ;)

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