Cellphones in Schools - Why the Uproar?
All Milwaukee public schools are enforcing a ban on cellphones. The ban comes after several students used their phones to call family members and others to fights happening on school grounds.
Last year, New York City public schools began enforcing their cellphone ban. Parents and a parents' group are currently suing them.
The School Officials' Side
School officials are saying students are answering phones in class and text messaging other classmates inside the classroom. Students are also taking photos of tests.
Some schools are also saying phones are used in a form of bullying by posting unflattering pictures of classmates on the web.
Waivers are available if there are medical reasons students and parents must have continual access to each other.
The Parents' Side
The 1999 Columbine school shootings prompted many parents to supply cellphones to their children. Parents wanted a way for their kids to contact them during emergencies.
Parents are also arguing that the ban is infringing on rights of access to their children.
Typical Solutions
People have a way of turning simple problems into multifaceted problems. These multifaceted problems compound into one big ugly mess!
School officials are saying ringtones are interrupting class. Why not have the students put their phones on silent mode? Students go to school not only to learn academics but also to become better people. Why can't we teach them that it is rude to disturb the class with a ringing phone?
School officials are saying students are text messaging and playing with their phones. Okay, this is another simple one. Why not have students keep their phones in backpacks, pockets or lockers? What I am trying to say is 'out of sight, out of mind.'
School officials are also complaining about students taking pictures of tests. Well, on test day, please have a box at the front door so students can put their phones into it before entering the classroom.
Of course, there are those students that live to defy school rules. When those rules are broken, consequences must be dealt with.
So....school officials, take a deep breath and don't go into battle. There are simple solutions to these simple problems. Set rules to allow our children to use the world's technology but teach them how to use it. Don't fight to pull away a wondrous tool that makes parents feel safe and connected to their children while they are in your care.
Published by Lilac
Air Force Veteran. Currently completing a Legal Assistant Degree. Hopes to write a book about relationships. View profile
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