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Cell Phones at School: Should They Be Allowed?
- Students often forget to turn off their phones in class, and ringing noises or text-message alerts disrupt learning.
- Even if set to silent, cell phones can still cause distraction, since text messaging has become a high-tech method of passing notes in school.
- In the event of a widespread crisis, rampant cell phone use can overload communication systems and render them inoperable.
- Student cell phone networks add to the spread of rumors and misinformation, which can be harmful during a widespread crisis.
- Mobile phones with a connection to the Internet (therefore, Facebook and Twitter) can be even more of a distraction and can be used for cyberbullying.
- Phones can be used as cheating devices during exams.
- The long-term physical effects of cell phone use are still undetermined.
There are compelling arguments on both sides of the debate, and both enthusiasts and critics make convincing points. What do you think? Take our poll:
POLL: Should schools allow cell phones? The real decision regarding cell phones lies with parents. Short of checking each and every backpack, school officials can only enforce cell phone bans if they catch a student with a prohibited device. Would you allow your child to bring a cell phone to school? Share your opinion in our poll: POLL: Would you allow your child to take a cell phone to school?POLL: At what age is it appropriate for a child to start bringing a cell phone to school?
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