Many people think that mobile phones should be banned in public places such as libraries, shops and public transport. Do you agree or disagree?

There have been recent calls for the regulation of mobile phones in public areas. In my opinion, though

this

would have a positive effect on social interactions, a complete ban is unrealistic and impractical. Those in favour of

such

sweeping reforms can point to reduced communication in society. Look

inside

Suggestion

in

any public space, whether it be a library, a store, a bus, or a park, and most likely the majority of individuals will be staring at their phones.

This

stands in stark contrast to the days before smartphones when people had to resort to talking to each other, or, at worst, reading a book to curb social anxiety. In the

last

two decades, mobiles have greatly reduced chance encounters, potential friendships, and conversations with both strangers and friends. The long-term effects of

this

are still

unknown but

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unknown, but

it is safe to say that future generations will be less sociable and dynamic and more isolated and passive.

Nonetheless

, banning phones in public is purely theoretical as they have become indispensable. Most jobs require employees to either be available by phone,

for

example doctors

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example, doctors

and police officers, or to use their phones throughout the day, as is common with businessmen and lawyers.

This

means most people must have their phone on them in public places for work reasons.

Moreover

, phone addiction has reached a point where nearly everyone in public is either messaging, playing a game, reading the news, or scrolling through social media. These have become important escapes for individuals and serve the practical purpose of minimising boredom during breaks and while waiting. Phones are

therefore

no longer a luxury but a key ingredient in daily life. In conclusion, despite the impact of phones on social interaction, I believe a ban would interfere too much with ingrained habits. It is

instead

the responsibility of individuals to police their own behaviour.