As more children and teenagers have their own cell phones, schools must craft policies to deal with the benefits and drawbacks of cell phone use in school. Many people believe cell phones should be permitted in schools. Supporters of cell phones in schools argue that cell phones improve student safety, have potential for learning, can help students stay organized and offer convenient communication.
Cell Phones Improve School Safety
Supporters of cell phones in school contend that cell phones improve student safety by allowing students to contact authorities in the event of a school intrusion or medical emergency. Students with cell phones would also be able to contact their parents in an emergency to inform them that they are safe.
In addition, schools can program emergency response systems to automatically call or text message students' cell phones with emergency information or instructions. This can reduce panic in an emergency and help schools keep students safe.
Cell Phones Enhance Learning
Cell phones, especially smart phones, can be used to enhance learning. Smart phones offer much of the functionality of a laptop, but are more portable and less expensive. For example, a class could download an interactive program and use it on their phones.
Students doing lab work can take quick pictures with their cell phone rather than making a sketch. Students can also use their phones to record parts of a lecture, make a quick voice note or take a video of a science experiment.
Stay Organized With Cell Phone Calendars
Supporters of cell phones in schools also argue that students can also utilize the calendar function of the cell phone to stay organized. Rather than requiring a paper planner, students can simply input assignments and test dates into their phones.
Students can even program their cell phones to remind them with alarms when they have upcoming assignments. And unlike paper planners, students are unlikely to forget or lose their cell phone.
Convenient Communication With Cell Phones
Cell phones offer a convenient way of communication, especially useful for students who have after-school activities. Rather than guessing what time practice will end or using a school phone, students can easily call or text their parents to let them know they need a ride or will be late. Parents and students also have an easy way to contact each other throughout the day if they need to send a message.
Cell Phone Use in Schools
Many schools struggle to develop policies for appropriate cell phone use. Cell phones have many beneficial uses, like helping students stay organized and keeping students safe, but they can also have negative impacts, including facilitating cheating on tests, texting during class and the spreading of rumors.
As in business and social environments, there are always situations during which cell phone use is not appropriate. Parents considering whether to give their children cell phones should contact their child’s school to learn the cell phone policies, including the punishments for inappropriate cell phone use during class.
More Information
Family Education: Cell Phones at School
Love to Know: Pros of Cell Phones at School
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Rebekah Richards - Rebekah Richards has published fiction and nonfiction in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Brandeis Law Journal, Where the Children Play, ...
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