BellaOnline Forums Education School Reform Cell phones in school?

Why or why shouldn't they be allowed?



Trina Miller

School Reform

What's up TMiller. I say yes. Too many things can and have occured in our society and I would like to stay in contact if at all possible.

I know they didn't have 'em in my time going to school, but too much is going on today where they are essential to my sanity (knowing where my children are and if they need me).

Most schools have policies that do Not allow cellphones, or many other electronic devices, in the classroom. This is a policy held widely by elementary, middle and high schools as well as colleges and universities. As an instructor this is a correct and necessary policy. Cellphones are distracting in the classroom. It makes it difficult for instructors to teach and for other students to learn. Many students with cellphones in the classroom ignore the lesson and are busy texting on their cellphone. All cellphones should be turned off and put away during classtime. Even, laptops can be as distraction for students. Many students play games, text or surf the internet with their laptops during class not paying attention to the teacher or the lesson. When class begins it should books open, pencil and paper out and all electronic devices, including cellphones, should be turned off and put away.

My daughter keeps hers and texts me at various points during the day. They are not supposed to have cell phones or they are supposed to be off, but she keeps me posted on how her day is going, or if she needs to stay afterschool for a club or extra work. Even if she doesn 't text me, apparently they have computers too so I get emails from her as well. I think in these days of potential violence in schools, I actually feel better knowing that she has it and can hopefully reach me in the event of an emergency. We live in a pretty uneventful area, but there have been times the school has had to go on lockdown and I found out from my daughter while it was happening which was hours before I was notified via email from the school. The school sent an email AFTER the situation was over.
In the days of Columbine and Virginia tech...I'm glad my daughter has her phone. I feel better.

Most schools only restrict cellphones within the classroom during classtime. No schools I know of restrict them from the school property completely. Some schools and teachers will temporary confiscate the cellphones of students that violate school policy about cellphone use. Most policies on cellphones and other electronic devices are written in the school's Student Handbook and often in the class syllabus too. Check the student handbook of your school to know exactly what their policy is.

Another big reason for disallowing them as well as scientific calculators because they can be used for cheating on tests. They both store information and you can text people for answers on tests.

...and I completely agree with that Vance, but to me my childs safety far outweighs the thought of her cheating on a test. If only there was a happy medium ...it's just that the schools are so unreliable as far as getting out information when something wrong happens during the school day.
She should keep it on silent and in her pocket during class but they should be allowed in school. Just my opinion...

As I said Dianne most schools only require students to have their cellphones turned off and put away during class. Your daughter should be allowed to have her cellphone with her just not turned on during class time. Again, if you are uncertain call your school and ask for a copy of the student handbook. That should explain the school's rules regarding cellphones and all electronic devices.

And as I said Craig58, I know that. I have 3 kids that have gone through the school system, I've been PTA president twice, a PTA treasurer twice and a PTSO president once, trust me I am well aware of every rule in every school handbook. That's not the point, just responding to the question in the forum which is "cell phones in school -why or why shouldn't they be allowed". It's not really asking about school rules. Though I do see your point about rules. Please allow me to express MY opinion as you have expressed yours.
Thanks!

My apologies I misunderstood.

NO worries...a little agreeing to disagree works for me..it adds some excitment to the day!

Oh No, I agree with you, Dianne. We are better off as parents by giving our children cell phones for school so if anything happens they have a way to contact someone. It could be as simple as having to stay after school for something or missing the bus for some reason. When I was in college, our instructors started off the class by telling everyone to turn off cell phones or put them on vibrate and if they have to take a call, then to step outside of the room to take it.

The schools in our area sometimes have lockdowns if there has been an escape from jail, or a store being robbed and the perps got away....etc. It would be nice to be able to talk to your children if needed during those times.

OR - if one parent was supposed to pick them up and there was a misunderstanding...it would be nice to be in communication.

Children by all means nowdays should have cell phones for safety sake! They should be on vibrate or silence during class and NOT ever seen during exams!!

Hm... have any of you considered the health risks? There is a growing body of evidence that cell phone use can increase the risk of brain cancer. Children are at greater risk, because their bodies are still growing and developing.

My son didn't have a cell phone until this year -- and he's in college now. He has it ONLY to help us coordinate, and it is always turned off when he is in class.

If the cell phone is always turned off while in class -- I can find it acceptable. However, so often, even if that is the rule, it isn't the case. Then you get into a host of other problems. I think that, except in rare cases, there isn't a strong case for kids to have cell phones in k-12 schools.

At my school, they arent allowed, which sucks!!!!! But everyone does it, but if your caight your cell is put in that stupid safe and you have to have your parents come and get it. Thats IF you get caught. I never do!! When i get into highschool, no one will really care. Darci :)