A former principal has made a plea for schools to be allowed to choose how they manage students' cellphones, saying the devices are for more than just play.
The National Party says if it becomes the Government, cellphones will be banned from schools, including in the playground.
Maurie Abraham is the former Principal of Hobsonville Point Secondary School and he believes the proposed ban is, in his words, "ridiculous".
He says cellphones are part of everyday life and students need to learn to use them appropriately.
Abraham spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.