Should cell phones be unplugged from bell to bell in a classroom setting? That is the question. A few states have issued a mandate for total elimination of cell phone usage for all students and many are considering it. Even a University of Pennsylvania professor has completely forbidden his students from using any type of technology which is connected to the Internet. So, this means laptops, iPads and more in addition to cell phones.
Here in Florida, a House bill took effect in July which bans cell phone usage entirely for elementary and middle school students and only allows high school students access to cell phones in class for educational purposes with the teacher’s permission.
The issue has been hotly debated with 72 percent of high school teachers substantiating that cell phones are a distraction in the classroom. Believe it or not, many students actually agree, stating that cell phones have become such a part of their everyday lives that they cannot self-regulate when it comes to their usage. Many also say that they rely too much on cell phones for social direction and that class discussions have become more engaging without cell phones. In schools where cell phones are not allowed, more face-to-face interaction has been noted by teachers and staff, and the consensus is that students are receiving a more well-rounded, better education.
Many parents argue that the schools have become dangerous, warranting the use of cell phones so that they have access to their children at all times. The other side of this debate is that access to your children via cell phone may alleviate anxiety, but it cannot eliminate danger.