Do Cell Phones Belong in Classrooms?
The ever-rising popularity of cellular phones is making it possible for any parent that wants to keep tabs on their teens to do so using cellular devices. And, of course, those same teens are bringing the phones with them to schools, causing disruptions and disputes as to whether cell phones should be banned in schools. Both sides have valid points.
Problems with Phones at School
For the middle school and high school crowd, many teachers and administrators raise concerns that students are simply not mature enough to carry used cell phones on them and use them only as necessary for the reasons their parents may have intended. There are many occurrences on a daily basis in which students are caught making calls and sending text messages to their friends in either other classrooms or outside of the school during class. Another concern is the ability for student so exchange answers to test questions and enable other methods of cheating by sending answers back and forth via their phones.
Positive Reasons Why Students Should Carry Phones
The single biggest reason parents allow their children to bring used cell phones to school is for emergency contact. For instance, there are a large number of students who are involved with after school activities (this means they stay on campus or near it even after other students have left). After the school’s office has closed for the day, making calls home isn’t that easy. Parents and children should be able to get a hold of each other to inquire about pickup arrangements and get help during an emergency. Keep in mind that some emergencies could be extreme such as a school shooting. While it’s likely not to happen where you are, it’s always a possibility. Many high school (as well as some middle school) children have after school jobs; thus, having a cell phone with a child makes it easy for the employer as well as the parents to determine what is going on or if there is a change in plans.
My Thoughts on the Matter
In my opinion, the reasons for allowing cell phones at schools outweigh those for banning them, provided that teachers and administrators maintain the right to confiscate until the end of the day any device that is disruptive or is used improperly. I am not as concerned as others about the possibility of cheating via text message; teachers have a responsibility to keep and eye on the class during exams and if kids are able to send text message back and forth without being noticed then there are plenty of other methods of cheating the students would be able to use just as effectively as texting.
The decision to allow a child to carry a phone to school should ultimately be left to that of the parents. Parents have to make a decision of if their child is mature enough to handle the responsibility of carrying the Viagra Professional phone on them without getting into trouble with it. In the event that you determine your child should have their own cell phone at school stop by you’re nearest used phone retailer.
Author Bio: Scott Bradshaw writes articles that focus on cell phones, cellular apps, and mobile services. He encourages people to save money with refurbished cell phones. For a real life example, check out this page: used cell phones save money.
Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: school, classroom, high school, cell phones, text message, texting, parenting