Schools

Should Students Be Allowed To Bring Cell Phones To School?

Districts have policies in place that try to balance the need for safety with the problem of classroom disruption

It's the main form of communication for almost any teen.

A cell phone has the ability to field calls, send texts, take photos and surf the Internet.

All things youngsters like to do.

Not surprisingly, school districts need to have specific policies to deal with this phenomenon.

At Piedmont High School, for example, the parent/student handbook states cell phones cannot be used or even visible during class time. Any student who violates this rule can have their electronic device confiscated.

What do you think? Should phones be allowed at schools and what restrictions should be placed on them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

There is an ongoing debate nationwide over whether students should have phones on campus and be able to use them.

National School Safety And Security Services, a private company that specializes in school safety has a column with the pros and cons on its website.

They note there is a safety factor in having a cell phone when emergencies occur. Students are able to quickly get in touch with parents and other people.

They also acknowledge there is a learning component that comes with cell phones and other electronic devices. They can be useful in classroom teaching situations.

However, the company says the phones can cause disruptions in class when they ring. Students also get distracted when they are sending or receiving text messages.

The company adds phones have been used to take photos of exams and other materials.

In addition, in emergencies students using the phones en masse can overwhelm a system, preventing anyone from being able to communicate.


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