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http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/academic/article/447859/Should-Cell-PhonesBe-Allowed-In-School-Settings/
Should Cell-Phones Be Allowed In School Settings?

Generally, cell phones are frowned upon in school settings and for some good
reasons too. Yes, they can cause distractions- which can lead to lowering of
grades, impulsive behaviors, and even attitude problems. Cell phones seem to
be at the beginning of a long list of grievances, but what some people dont
realize is that having cell phones in school can be a matter of life or death. Not
only are cell phones an important tool in keeping kids safe, they are also being
implemented in education in helpful, interactive ways. These communicating
devices suddenly carry a lot more weight, especially when they help show your
rights to freedom of speech.
Balancing safety and security is always a tricky decision, but in the end, regards
for safety always wins out, especially when there are lives on the line. One may
not think it, but a cell phone can be the next thing to save your life, most
especially in school. Schools keep an outward appearance of being a safe
environment, but you never know when students lives can be endangered by
other kids. Take the Columbine Massacre, for instance. On April 20, 1999,
teenagers Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris walked into Columbine High school in
Littleton, Colorado carrying sub-machine guns and self-made bombs with the
intention of doing some serious damage. Thirteen innocent people were
murdered, and many more would have followed if it werent for some students
and their cell-phones.
Teenager Bob Sapin calls the police on his cell phone while hiding for his life. He
describes what the two murderers look like, and the location of the school.
Another student, James, dialed 911 once he realized that the phone lines were

jammed. If these two and many others wouldnt have called the police and an
ambulance, it couldve been hours until help had arrived, hours in which more
students would have been killed.
Cell phones are also a vital instrument in preventing kidnappings, or help save
the victims of a kidnapping. On an NAU campus, a student was kidnapped,
drugged, and assaulted. Another death wouldve made it to the headlines if that
student didnt have her cell-phone on her, which she used to send a message to
her roommate, pleading for help. Luckily, the police arrived and were able to save
her from further harm.
Safety issues dont only extend to kidnappings and murders, but to natural
disasters and national security issues too. In cases such as hurricanes and
tornadoes, phone lines can easily be obliterated, leaving students without a
tether to the outside world in a dangerous situation. With the aid of cell phones,
students and teachers in a school can contract help. Tornadoes form without a
warning, catching a school unawares. Fires can raze down an entire school,
natural disasters crop up at any time, catching you unprepared.
Though it may seem the opposite of what we are led to believe, cell phones
actually are helping students be prepared, and not just in times of danger. There
are studies being done that show cell phones being implemented in ways helpful
towards learning. The study followed teachers in three schools who began
exploring ways to use students personal phones as well as additional borrowed
smart phones.The researchers came away with a yes verdict and offered some
specific ways in which cell phone technology could support learning. (Thomas,
Cell phones- Time to Lift the Ban on Mobiles in the School Setting?).
In these researches, teachers found that they could use cell phones in a variety
of ways. They recorded using it as a stopwatch, photographing experiments,
synchronizing calendars and timetables, and transferring information between

school and home. The phones also had many positive side affects on the kids.
The kids were more motivated to do their school work, and cell phones replaced
other devices, such as calculators, dictionaries, textbooks even!
In Abilene Christian University, iPhone 3Gs were handed out to the students and
asked to use them during school. The students found that they could brainstorm
ideas using these phones, receive virtual handouts and assignments from
teachers, and even the teachers saw that they could use them to monitor
attendance. As William Ranklin, the co-director of mobile learning research in
school said, This is a new platform for learning, in the same way a laptop or a
desktop was a new platform. (Kharif, Cell Phones Make Headway In
Education). Speaking of laptops, cell phones are a viable replacement for them.
Cell phones cost much less than laptops, in fact, an iPhone costs around twohundred to three-hundred dollars, whereas a single laptop costs around sevenhundred dollars. Thats a huge price difference, one that could save schools
thousands. Not only are these cell phones cheaper than laptops, theyre also
more accessible. A lot of kids dont have access to computers, but having a cell
phone is an easier, cheaper solution to that problem.
Students using phones actively in school are also seeing their grades rising. In
Crosby Ironton High School, students who were taught with cell phones
performed 25% better than those without on the algebra EOC exam. Teachers
also agree that using cell phones in class keep the students more interested in
what they are learning. Every single cell phone experiment in school settings has
met with success, showing higher grades, more motivation, easier and cheaper
ways to teach, and a clamoring for the time when all cell phone bans on schools
are lifted.
As students use their cell phones in school environments, they dont realize that
they are exercising one of their most important rights- the freedom of speech.
Congress shall make no lawabridging the freedom of speech, or of press; or

the right of the people to peaceably assemble (US Constitution, Amend. I).
Due to the elastic clause, The [1st Amendment] applies to any portable device
that can be used to create, receive, access, or store electronic data (First
Amendment News, 2011). This means that the First Amendment applies to cell
phones. Banning cell phones from school is a violation of students rights to the
First Amendment, especially since students do not shed their constitutional
rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse
gate. (Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 1969).
Cell phones have become such a part of daily life, and theyve found several
ways to be useful, instead of just being communicating devices, especially in
school. With all the danger to it, banning cell phones from school is almost a
crime, along with violating students natural born rights to free-speech. Not only
that, but phones are making a statement in classrooms, implementing
themselves in ways that help students, not just cause a distraction. Banning cell
phones from schools can have severe repercussions, which is a serious
drawback considering how far we have gotten in the field of cell phones, and
their rights and uses tied in.

http://teaching.about.com/od/admin/f/Embrace-Cell-Phones-Or-Ban-Them.htm
cell Phones in School: Embrace Them or Ban Them?
One of the more controversial and most discussed issues that school
administrators face on a daily basis is where they stand with students and cell
phones. It seems that virtually every school takes a different stance on the issue
of cell phones in school. No matter what your schools policy is, there is no way
to completely keep all students from bringing their phones unless you do student
searches every day, which is simply not feasible.
Answer:
The fact is that more and more people have a cell phone including students of all
ages. 78% of all teenagers now own a cell phone. They are digital natives and
thus experts when it comes to technology. 47% of teens can text with their eyes
closed. They are far more adept than most adults at using their cell phones for
many purposes.
There are essentially three core stances most school districts have took with
their cell phone policies. One such policy basically bans their students from
having their cell phones at all. If students are caught with their cell phones, then
they can be confiscated or fined or in some cases the student may be
suspended. Another common cell phone policy allows students to bring their cell
phones to school and allows them to use them during non-instructional times
such as time in between classes and lunch. If students are caught with them in
class, then they are confiscated from the student. Another cell phone policy is
leaning towards a shift in administrators thinking. Students are not only allowed
to possess and use their cell phones, but their also encouraged to use them in
class as learning tools.
Districts that ban their students from having their cell phones or limit their usage
do this for a variety of reasons. Those include not wanting it to make it easy for

students to cheat, being afraid that students are sending inappropriate content,
playing games, or setting up drug deals. Teachers also feel like they are
distracting and disrespectful. All of these are valid concerns and are why this is
such a hot issue among school administrators.
The movement towards embracing the use of cell phones by students begins
with educating students on proper use of phones at school. Administrators who
are shifting towards this policy often say that they are fighting an uphill battle with
a policy that has a complete or partial ban on cell phone. Administrators who
have transitioned to this type of policy say that their job has become much easier
and that they have far fewer issues of cell phone abuse than they did under other
policies.
This type of policy also clears the way for teachers to embrace cell phones as a
teaching/learning tool. Teachers who have elected to use cell phones in their
daily lessons say that their students are actively engaged and more attentive
than they typically are. A cell phone can be a power educational tool. Smart
phones especially have the ability to provide students with so much information
that teachers cannot deny that they can be powerful technological tools in the
classroom.
Many teachers are using them for a variety of purposes such as a small group
projects with research races and text competitions for correct answers. The
website poll everywhere.comallows teachers to ask a question, students then
text their answers to a particular number the teacher gives them, and the website
collects the data and puts it into a graph, where teachers can discuss the answer
choices. The results of these activities have been very positive. Teachers,
administrators, and students have all provided positive feedback. Perhaps it is
time to move into the 21st century and begin using the resources we have
available to engage our students in the learning process more readily.

Should children have cell phones at school?

On April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Colorado, U.S.A., two teenaged
students went on a shooting rampage, committing suicide after murdering 12 fellow
students and one teacher.
The school had a ban on cell phones at that time.
True, cell phones cannot prevent horrifying events such as school shootings, but they do
let people get help sooner, such as in the Columbine Massacre. In addition to safety
reasons, cell phones also allow parents to be able to keep in touch with their children in
case their kids need to stay after for sports, homework help, or any other reason. Cell
phones should not be banned from schools, as they are important to a person's lifestyle.
No doubt that, after incidents like the Columbine High School Massacre and the terrorist
attacks on September 11th, cell phones give parents peace of mind, knowing that their
kids can be reached, and that the students can reach them, with just a quick phone call.
New York, which has one of the nation's biggest school systems, has banned cell
phones, and is causing a commotion among both students and parents. Most parents
feel that it is an extreme measure, and even a violation to the Constitution, that schools
are banning cell phones. It is not up to the school board whether or not a student may
have a cell phone; the parents gave the device to their child for a reason, and it is not
the school board's right to decide where the students can bring them, and when they can
use them.
However, despite these convincing reasons as to why cell phones should be allowed in
schools, many school authorities and teachers still say "no" to the devices. According to
a Spanish teacher in the Northern Tioga School District, Pennsylvania, "A cell phone
going off in a classroom can end the learning process as effectively as any fire drill" (1).
So, if the cell phone should be banned because it disrupts the teacher's lecture like "any
fire drill," then why not ban fire drills for the same reason? Fire drills happen for safety
reasons, which is the main argument as to why students should be able to bring their cell
phones to school.
Another common case as to why students should not have cell phones in school is
because school officials claim that it makes it easier for drug dealers to get drugs to

people, and state that "banning cell phones gets rid of that problem" (2). Since when
could cell phones transport drugs to people? Getting rid of cell phones will not get rid of
drug problems in school; if an unfortunate student has a drug addiction, then they are
most likely going to get that drug one way or another.
Others have said that if the parents really need to reach their child, or vice versa, then
they can use the school's office phone. I'm sure the office phone will be real handy if the
school's in a lock-down from a threat like gunmen. That goes the same for a pay phone,
which further people have suggested to use instead of cell phones, especially since they
are cheaper. First of all, who sees a working pay phone around anymore? They have not
been seen for awhile since cell phones came along and proved to be more convenient.
As for the office phones, they are also not always around if a student suddenly has a
schedule change, such as a cancelled sport practice or an important club meeting. Cell
phones are handier than other phones and should be allowed for students to have in
case they need to make a spur-of-the-moment call.
Sadly, this world is not at peace; everyone knows that. Cell phones are important to
today's ever-changing agenda so people can stay in touch with each other. They are
wonderful devices that put plenty of people's minds at ease with the knowledge that their
loved ones are only a dial away.

http://www.helium.com/debates/92065-should-children-have-cell-phones-atschool/side_by_side?page=3
Pros of Cell Phones in School Benefits of Phones for Students
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 childs school to learn the cell phone policies, including the
punishments for inappropriate cell phone use during class.

http://suite101.com/article/pros-of-cell-phones-in-school---benefits-of-phones-forstudents-a229426