Kids, Cell Phones and The Class Room - A Dynamic Dilemma

In the end of the 1990's Cell phones started to become very common in schools. They became smaller and digital and cheaper to use. Text messaging turned out to be as popular as e-mail and was a way for kids to communicate without anyone listening in. However, as more students began to finagle phones from their parents, the phones began to cause a disruption in the classroom. It was easy for schools to ban use and possession of cell phones. There was no justification for students to have them.

September 11, 2001, the American view of safety changed and it seem the rules regarding cell phones in schools had to change as well. Many parents who previously agreed with schools decision to ban cell phones changed their stance-their kids were going to be able to contact them if another act of terrorism occurred. At this point school officials had a difficult decision to make-if cell phones were banned, and an emergency situation arose, who might be liable? The ban was relaxed. Cell phones were not exactly encouraged, but administration turned a blind eye to the possession of them.

This is where the controversy arises-should cell phones be banned completely or should students be allowed to use them? Where do educators draw the line? Here are some of the issues that cell phone use by students has raised:

· Does the school have the right to take cell phones from students?

· When is cell phone use by students appropriate?

· Do cell phones encourage drug dealing and gang-related activity?

· How much of class time needs to be wasted when a student's cell phone is stolen?

· Should camera phones be allowed?

· Have there been emergencies in which a student's cell phone has been the savior?

In this great age of technology, there is no doubt that the cell phone is a great convenience, but it has become a disruption to the educational environment. Parents and teachers must find a way to establish policies that are fair to all concerned, that address the issues that cell phone use has brought to the classroom.

From a personal standpoint, when I graduated from High School, only the rich kids were starting to get cell phones, and they were the big Motorola Brick phones at that. I can't imagine a world where every student has a cell phone in the class room, and I also can't image the problems they cause for teachers. I picture a desk drawer full of confiscated cell phones, and complaining parents. However, at the same time, I do believe it is important for kids to be able to contact their parents quickly and efficiently, and vice versa. Kids having cell phones may have its downfalls, but the positives will outweigh the downsides...even if just barely.

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