An unengaged student can often be identified by their possession of a cellphone, indicating a lack of interest and a preference for socializing rather than focusing on academics. As an educator, I frequently encountered students who would choose to text or play with their phones instead of paying attention in class, resulting in poor grades and high dropout rates. The blame for this failure should be placed on the distractions presented by cellphones within the classroom. While parents may argue that cellphones are necessary for emergency communication, it is worth questioning how often urgent situations truly require immediate contact with their child. In most cases, contacting hospitals or police would take precedence. Additionally, if needed, parents can always reach out to the school’s main office. Among teenagers, cellphones have become status symbols that provoke laughter when they ring during lectures, making them even more appealing. Engaging in video games or texting friends in neighboring rooms seems more enticing than understanding concepts like topic sentences. Students also prefer enjoying newly downloaded songs on their cellphones – such as the latest track from Three 6 Mafia – rather than focusing on their education. Proposing that students store their phones in lockers proves ineffective since they will inevitably bring them to class if they own them.
As a former English teacher at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., I understand the importance of establishing rules in schools to ensure a quality education and a respectful and safe environment.
However, I believe that cell phones are disruptive in classrooms and should not be allowed there. Therefore, I advocate for the implementation of regulations that prohibit both students and staff from using cell phones in the classroom.
Nevertheless, it would be unjustifiable to completely ban students from possessing cell phones as it would hinder their ability to have them while commuting to and from school. As a parent, I have the right to make sure my children have cell phones so they can contact me during these times.
This extends beyond mere safety and reassurance.
Despite the scarcity of pay phones, I still desire my children to contact me every morning and afternoon when they arrive at and leave school. The deficiency of pay phones poses a challenge for them to do so. Nevertheless, it is crucial for my children’s development that they have the freedom to engage in extracurricular activities or social events without adult supervision. This liberty is only achievable because I can be reached with a phone call. If the school prohibits my children from possessing their cell phones during the day, they are intruding on my parenting and exerting control over my children’s conduct beyond school hours. Such actions should not be permitted by the school. Moreover, teachers should prioritize teaching rather than wasting time confiscating electronic devices. I trust in my kids’ ability to make responsible choices and believe that their educators and administrators share this sentiment.
Parent of Bronx High School of Science, located in New York
Allowing students to bring cellphones to school would inevitably result in distractions. The presence of various activities on a single device will tempt students to engage in non-school related tasks, diverting their attention from studying. As a result, their academic focus will decrease as they become engrossed with their cellphones. Moreover, teachers will also be distracted by potential disruptions caused by cellphone ringing during class, disrupting the flow of the entire lesson.
Furthermore, having cellphones among students can create an unhealthy competition centered around owning the latest models and popular brands. This competition adds additional worries and financial burden on parents as every student pressures them to buy new cellphones. Additionally, possessing an outdated cellphone may make some students feel inferior. In fact, this situation could even lead to a social divide among students based on their cellphone models and brands, reinforcing a “cellphone-fueled class difference.”
In addition to these concerns, allowing cellphones on school premises increases the risk of theft. With valuable cellphones present in almost every student’s bag, theft cases could disrupt discipline and compromise the safety of the entire school environment.
While some people believe that cellphones allow parents to stay connected with their children and know where they are and what they need, others argue that this can be achieved without a cellphone since schools have phones available for conveying important information. Furthermore, cellphones can facilitate cheating among students during exams by enabling them to seek assistance through text messages. They can also contribute to after-school gang activities and be misused for making prank calls. These actions can lead to serious consequences, causing panic and wasting time. Thus, these reasons provide strong support for the ban of cellphones in schools as they are based on valid concerns rather than trivial ones.
The use of mobile phones has significantly risen in recent times, extending their functionality beyond mere communication. These devices now have multiple uses such as sending and receiving messages, capturing and sharing images, recording videos, browsing the web, playing games, and more. The improved capabilities and affordability have led to an increase in young people owning mobile phones. This raises the question of whether students should be allowed to bring them to school.
The presence of mobile phones in education can cause disruption for both teachers and students. If a person’s phone rings while someone is focused, it can disturb the entire class and create distractions during lectures. This constant interruption has a negative impact on the learning environment and leads to lower educational standards. In the long run, these daily disruptions result in wasting approximately five minutes per day, which adds up to nearly half an hour each week and over ten hours per year. Furthermore, mobile phones present a temptation for cheating during exams by enabling discreet communication through text messages with anyone around the world. It is important to remember that attending school is meant for learning, rather than wasting time playing games or engaging in dishonest practices during tests.
Research has confirmed that long-term health risks can be posed to mobile phone owners due to radiation exposure. The emitted radiation from mobile phones has the potential to harm or destroy cells, making frequent use a concern for students’ well-being. As ownership and usage of mobile phones continue to increase, students face an even greater likelihood of experiencing health hazards. Moreover, younger students may lack proper education on responsible phone usage, further intensifying their risk. It is crucial to note that nowadays, most phones are equipped with internet access.
