- The obvious distraction is when a phone rings in the classroom. It interrupts whatever was going on, and with any interruption it takes a few minutes for everyone to refocus on the lesson at hand.
- Kids do a LOT of texting. No matter where you are or what you're doing, it's almost impossible to ignore a text. So a student getting a text while in class is going to look at it and probably answer it. Then he/she is going to tell the person in the next seat what it was. They'll need a minute to laugh about it and another minute to refocus. In the process, part, if not all, of the lesson is missed.
- Cell phones can be handy little cheating devices.
- Unfortunately, adolescents can be mean to each other. Cell phones can easily be used to harrass someone and it would be nearly impossible for a teacher to catch someone doing it.
- In school, taking pictures of someone without their knowledge when there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (like in a locker room or restroom) could lead to irreparable humiliation for the victim and criminal charges for the photographer.
On the plus side,
- I know that parents like knowing they can communicate with their children easily via cell phones.
- In the case of an emergency, parents would want their children to be able to call for help.
- Students are able to make after school arrangements without having to stand in line to use the phone in the office.
- Many of the phones are actually tiny computers, providing wireless internet access for research and calendars for keeping track of homework.
We are in the process of reviewing and revising our cell phone policy. We have asked for input from the Student Council and our school attorney. If you have an opinion or suggestion about cell phones in school, I'd like to hear from you!
