Cambridge University warns students about phone use on stairs
- Cambridge University launched a safety campaign regarding mobile phone use on stairs due to a rise in related incidents.
- The campaign includes posters that instruct students to avoid phone use while navigating stairs.
- Students criticized the campaign, claiming it undermines their intelligence and independence.
In the United Kingdom, Cambridge University recently initiated a health and safety campaign across its campus to address the dangers associated with using mobile phones while navigating stairs. This initiative followed a series of incidents, including accidents and near-misses, reportedly linked to distracted stair use. The university implemented posters that feature stark imagery and direct messaging, such as the slogan 'Heads up, phones down! Don't be the next accident.' The campaign was met with immediate backlash from students, many of whom felt that they were being patronized and treated like children rather than the intellectually adept individuals they are. The posters included a QR code directing students to a website where they could report similar incidents, underscoring the institution's serious commitment to student welfare and safety. Despite the mixed reactions, the university's spokesperson clarified that while some may find the campaign amusing, it originated from genuine safety concerns based on real events where students were using phones while descending stairs. Ultimately, the campaign highlights a significant challenge many educational institutions face: balancing student autonomy with ensuring their safety in an increasingly distracted digital age.