Cell Phones in School

Rules are difficult, but there has to be order, this is especially true when it comes to school. However, kids are not all alike, and many simply cannot handle following cell phone rules. A lot of adults can't handle following cell phone rules either, and often times those kids and results are in the same family, making the whole cell phone dilemma even more difficult for teachers and school administrators.

But the fact remains that cell phones have become a major communication lifeline, especially between parents and children. Having that lifeline taken away, especially when neither the child or the parent is abusing the privilege can be difficult.

So should cell phones be allowed in school? Did I let my kids bring them? Technically, yes, but not before middle school, and I did tell them to keep phones off when they were in class. My daughter participated in Math League where the group took a bus to other schools in the area. I had her call me when she was on the bus coming back to her own school so I could pick her up. However, when cell phones are allowed there needs to be strictly enforced restrictions on when and how they can be used. Here are some rules I think are reasonable.

1. When class is in session, all phones are off. Not on silent or vibrate. Off. Even if other students or the teacher can't hear the phone ring having it go off during class is a distraction a child does not need.

2. Students should be allowed to check text messages between classes, or return a parents call informing them of an emergency, but when the bell rings. No more phone, unless there's a major emergency.

3. Using cell phones during lunch time should be okay for most students, as long as they go right back off when class restarts. Students should keep calls short and non-argumentative as not to disrupt their peers.

4. Using cell phones before school starts and after it is over should be fine too, as long as it is not disruptive to an extra-curricular activity they are in.

Here's a couple rules for parents.

1. Do not call you child when they are in class unless absolutely necessary.

2. If you have to call, get to the point - fast. This isn't the time to teach major life lessons involving taking out the garbage. Arranging plans or letting your child know of an unexpected change is usually fine.

Students, especially older kids often don't head right home after school. They head to friends' houses, out shopping, or to activities. When plans change, it's important for kids to keep their parents in the loop, and cell phones help them do that. But learning time needs to be respected too.