My Teen Can Take Her Cell Phone to School
Times have changed quite a bit at my teenager daughter's high school. I remember just a few years ago I would have to worry about my son "sneaking" and taking his cell phone to school. During those years, the school would confiscate any cell phone that they found and parents would have to go to the school to pay a fine and retrieve the cell phone. They would also get a "slap on the wrist" with a not so friendly reminder that cell phones were prohibited. It's not so today, and in many ways I am glad because now my daughter can carry her cell phone to school.
Why would I allow my daughter to take her cell phone to school? First of all, there is no rule against it. However, there are several disciplinary measures in place if students are caught using their phone in any manner different from the stated rules. For example, students may use their cell phones in the hallway, at lunch or even during study hall, however, they cannot use it during any class time. If students are caught using their cell phone during classroom sessions there are disciplinary measures that range from a warning and having their phone taken away for the rest of the day to a three day out of school suspension and even expulsion.
Secondly, my daughter is a teenager in high school and very involved in athletics. Practice schedules, game times and transportation arrangements sometimes change and it is necessary for her to contact us to inform us of changes. Sometimes she wants to stay after school for other extra-curricular activities and a quick phone call to a parent is all that is needed to get permission.
To be honest, she doesn't always carry her cell phone to school with her. She worries about the consequences and the possibility of getting in trouble. However, during basketball or track season it is as much a part of her equipment as her uniform.
The school may have their rules, but we have our rules also. These include following all school rules, not using the phone during school hours for any reason other than to contact parents, and if you are caught breaking the rules you will pay the price both at school and at home. As parents we have our daughter's schedule and we know when study hall and lunch is and can use the times in case of emergency.
We can monitor her minutes used and text messages through our plan, which includes an unlimited texting plan but limited minutes for approximately an extra $10.00 per month for each cell phone attached to the family plan. Using text messaging also helps to cut down on interrupting cell phone calls to work or school as they can easily be answered. I highly recommend using a texting service.
Cell phones have become a necessary part of this busy family and teenager's life. We can communicate, avoid misunderstandings about times and dates, get reminders about scheduling and thanks to GPS have a source of information in case of emergency. Would I let my six year old have a cell phone at school? No, she can't even have a phone, but for the middle and high school years it is one of the best ways to that our family can keep in touch and informed.
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Published by Lisa Carey
Lisa is founder of New Creative Writing a freelance writing service in partnership with her husband, also an established web content writer and educator. She features her parenting, travel, green, pets,... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentAgree!
Good points here teen mom. We're headed in this direction next year.
That's good info and very true. In these times, everyone should be allowed to carry one. You never know when you'll need it. Communication is always the best policy with your children.