Guest Author - Trina Miller
Today having a cell phone is like having air. We can not imagine what we would do without them. Cell phones are highly debated. In general most people appreciate the technological genius of a portable phone. Most consumers also agree that they find these phones annoying at times. These annoying moments are generally due to the lack of cell phone courtesy by the user. Most complaints involve:
-Talking on phone while order is being taken.
-Driving while on phone
-Being in.. Library, Church, Theaters, Spas, and other inappropriate places to have a cell phone.
However, no one can be as annoyed by a cell phone as the teacher in the middle of a test, or lecture. The controversy continues on whether or not phones belong in school. Some parents insist that their children take their phones to school. It is not so they can socialize during class, but as a means in case of emergency.
-Shooting or other dangerous situation
-Terrorist attacks
-Tornado, Hurricane
-Family Emergency
With this kind of reasoning it is almost hard to argue. After all, phones have their educational benefits as well. Camera’s for copying notes, pictures of projects, etc. Calculators are a necessity with new math. Students can text assignments to students who are absent. All in all, phones sound like a good idea.
Teachers don’t agree. While cell phones can certainly be used for good, most often they are not. Students abuse the privilege of having the phone.
-Passing notes in class
-Cheating on tests
-Conspiring to get out of class together
-Passing inappropriate pictures
-Phones disturbing tests, lectures, etc. (ringing in class)
Some schools allow cell phones as long as they are turned off during classes. Some schools adopt the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ position regarding phones. If you are caught with a cell phone it will be taken. Schools that confiscate phones require parents come pick them up or give them back at the end of the day.
This debate may never reach a compromise between parents and teachers. Both have good intentions for their position.
One could argue that we did not have cell phones for centuries and we did just fine. Although we did not have violence issues to the point of shootings and hostage situations either.
Hmmm...The debate continues.
Feel free to put in your 2 cents in our forum.
