Title: Influence of Mobile Phone Use on Secondary Schools Students’ Discipline, in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Abstract: Introduction and BackgroundStudents' disciplinary problem has been a major concern in schools and a major challenge facing teachers at school and society at large.Students as key stakeholders and the most essential resources in education it is absolutely necessary to direct them to exhibit acceptable attitude and behaviour within and outside the school.It has been noted that these disciplinary problems can be the main hindrance to effective teaching and learning.In an attempt to achieve an organized and peaceful school environment and maintain law and order, school management specifies rules and regulations to guide the activities of members of the educational institution as sound education can be provided when there is discipline in schools.The aim and objectives of the education and training policy in Tanzania are stated as meant to inculcate a sense of self confidence, to develop enquiring minds in students to develop respect for human dignity and to make students socially responsible for the national welfare (Ministry of Education & Vocational Training [MoEVT], 1995).In order to make a good society the school can be seen as a workshop over the individual.Character comprises the willing of the individual for goodness of other people and moral thought, behaviours for being honest and responsible, personal and affective properties of the one across various circumstances for creating effective approaches, and affective commitment of the individual.Good character helps people to have a democratic life style which includes being equal and respectful to other people and being able to add positive values to the society (Battistich, 2005).Poor discipline in schools creates violence and unsafe environment within a school community resulting in lower achievement rates.Indiscipline in schools often includes truancy, drug abuse, peddling drugs, bullying, drinking alcohol, smoking, sexual affairs, abusive language, bad dressing style and theft.Simatwa (2002) noted that the major aim of discipline both in school and at home should be to nurture young people who will be responsible citizens in future.The aim of school discipline should therefore be seen to help students cope well, be happy, safe and useful to the society they belong.