School phone ban good but ‘void’ being created
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Removing cell phones from schools is a positive step, but Sport Canterbury says something has to “fill the void" or students will potentially fill it with trouble.
Sport Canterbury’s sector support manager Megan Harlick said the removal of phones has created a void.
“Unless there is something there to activate them, they will find their own trouble.
“It’s critical we don’t leave this void that is then filled by something else.”
She said Sport Canterbury’s programmes in primary and secondary schools, which aim to keep schoolchildren active, are one way to fill that void.
Mid Canterbury community adviser Alice Breading said using phones and other devices at home can become normal behaviour, and the phone ban is an opportunity to “remind them play is out there”.
“Kids need to remember and re-learn sometimes how to play.
“They don’t have to grow up too fast, which is a big piece of the play work we are doing in primary school ... to enjoy playing, climbing trees, enjoy using the playgrounds in different ways.
“Kids don’t tend to find trouble when they are having fun and keeping busy.”
Sport Canterbury recently presented its annual report to the Ashburton District Council, which granted $67,600 for 2024-25 as part of the council’s ongoing support of the organisation.
The report detailed how Sport Canterbury has supported Ashburton College to access $360,000 over three years from Sport New Zealand’s Active As programme.
“It’s all around the enhancement of well-being through physical education,” Breading said.
It’s a student-led programme aimed at increasing physical activity at school but also extended outside the school gate by connecting with local sports groups and the EA Networks Centre.
Then there is healthy active learning facilitator Anna Holland who is working across 10 primary schools in the district around “what quality PE looks like” for the pupils.
One of the popular sessions is “chalk bombing”, where an activity circuit is created using chalk instructions around the school playground.
Breading and Holland presented a case study of what they have achieved at Ashburton Intermediate this year following a playground mapping exercise that identified some barriers and possible improvements to make at the school.
Rather than children wandering around with nothing to do, which can lead to behavioural issues, the goal was to provide more options and opportunities to keep them active, Breading said.
The process gained traction due to the support from the school and a few small changes will make a big impact over time Holland said.
“It will take longer than a term but it will become the new norm.”
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.7% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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