Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in School?

Every year more and more kids get cell phones. Every year the kids are younger and younger when they get their cell phones. Kids as young as 9 and 10 years old now own cell phones. As we ask ourselves why these young kids need cell phones many possibilities come to mind.

Perhaps these kids have both parents working and need a way to stay in touchr en route to and from school. Perhaps some of them take public transportation to and from school or live in a rough neighborhood. A cell phone can be a vital tool in these situations. Perhaps some of the older ones have an after school job that they need to stay in touch with. The list of possibilities is endless.

So what sorts of rules can parents and teachers impose on these students?

Out of politeness for the other students and teachers, turn off your cell phones during class. A cell phone, even if it is on vibrate, can distract other students and teachers.

Utilize voice mail during school hours. If a student is expecting a message from a parent or employer, they can check their voice mails between classes or at lunch.

Do not text during class either. It makes it look like you are cheating, even if you are not. It is also distracting to fellow students and the teachers.

Return calls before or after class or at lunch. Return Texts before or after class or at lunch.

If your friend asks you what was being said during class time or what the answers are, ask them why they need to know when they were there. If they were on the cell phone or texting chances are your friend was not paying attention to what they should have been. Is that really fair to you when you were paying attention?

How can our students learn when they are distracted by their fellow student and a cell phone? How can the student learn when they are so caught up using the cell phone during class?