The debate about whether children should have cell phones at school began with heated discussions following the Columbine shootings. During the incident, students from various parts of the school used their cell phones to contact emergency personnel. In fact, the first person to alert authorities about the situation was a student hiding inside the building, using his cell phone. Chances are, many lives were saved because of his use of this technological device.
Today, however, the debate continues. In the United States, the Federal Board of Education leaves the decision on student cell phone use during school hours up to individual school districts. Around 74% of school districts report having rules and regulations that prohibit children from using cell phones in class or on school grounds. Most require that any phones brought to school be turned off and kept in lockers or backpacks throughout the school day. If the rules are not followed, school staff are permitted to confiscate the devices indefinitely.
Reasons Behind the Cell Phone Bans in Schools
These rules may seem harsh to some, but school officials believe they are in place for important reasons. The most significant reason is that the school environment should primarily focus on learning. With children having access to all sorts of media on their cell phones, they can become one of the biggest distractions for students from middle school through high school. Without rules about whether they can bring phones to school or when they can use them, young students would likely lack the self-control and discipline to make good decisions. Teachers, already dealing with social distractions and behavioral issues, would face even more challenges with ringing phones and students more focused on texting than on learning.
Essentially, the idea behind the bans is that there’s a time and place for cell phones. Just like in the past when students passed notes in class, which teachers would read aloud to demonstrate the distraction, cell phones are simply the modern version of ‘passing notes.’
With bullying laws and enforcement stricter than ever in today’s school environment, cell phones are often seen as an easy way for students to target one another. Since most cell phones also provide access to the internet and social media, they can be used for bullying other kids or cheating on tests in class.
Another reason to ban cell phones in schools is the additional responsibility they place on already-burdened school systems. Teens are notorious for stealing each other’s belongings, and cell phones are often prime targets for sticky-fingered teens. This can lead to criminal implications, which schools prefer to avoid. By banning phones outright, the responsibility for the devices lies with parents and students, should a phone be damaged or stolen during school hours.
Certainly, times are changing. Today, nearly 90% of teenagers—regardless of background or socioeconomic status—own a cell phone. But are they really necessary at school? Some advocates for allowing phones in school overlook the fact that, just a decade ago, people managed perfectly well without having a phone during school hours. If a student needed to contact a parent or use a phone, they simply went to the office and used a school phone under supervision. Today, every school in the United States is equipped with a phone system that allows students to make calls if needed.
Of course, there are arguments that allowing students to keep their cell phones at school is helpful during emergencies. For example, what if there is a power outage or an emergency at the school that disrupts the phone system? A fire at a school could cause mass confusion among students, and cell phones might help maintain control. Additionally, because parents and children are busier than ever, many parents feel that giving their child a cell phone provides a sense of relief and safety. Furthermore, situations like the one that occurred in a Nevada school, where a female student used her cell phone to get help after being assaulted, make the case for allowing phones at school seem even more relevant.
Because many school districts understand both sides of the debate, most have rules that allow students to bring their phones but prohibit their use during instructional hours. The truth is that the educational system is designed to provide equal opportunities for learning and education during school hours, not for socializing. Banning phone use does not violate any personal rights and may be the best way for school districts to minimize distractions throughout the day. While cell phones do have their uses, particularly in emergencies, students need to remember that their top priority at school is learning.
