Should cell phones be banned in schools?

[Sassy]

Mobile phone ban in NYC schools unpopular
Parents, teachers and lawmakers increasingly calling for allowing devices


Updated: 3:42 p.m. ET May 6, 2006
NEW YORK - A growing number of parents, teachers and city lawmakers are demanding that the New York City school system reverse its longtime ban on students’ mobile phones inside school buildings.

So far, the mayor and the schools chancellor aren’t heeding the calls.

On Friday, a handful of City Council members and parent activists announced a series of upcoming events aimed at pressuring the education department to change the policy.

City Councilwoman Letitia James said she’s introducing a resolution to stop schools from confiscating mobile phones, which she said were vital lifelines for parents and their children.

James and parent leaders say they don’t object to rules requiring students to turn off their phones during classes, but they want the children to have access to them in emergencies.

“Quite simply, this is a safety issue,” James said. “It’s a safety issue that we have to resolve.”

School officials say they’re skeptical that they can count on students to keep the phones off. They also say phone can be used for nefarious purposes — cheating on tests, or taking inappropriate pictures in locker rooms, for instance.

Schools Chancellor Joel Klein told the Daily News on Thursday that possible solutions he’s considered, such as special storage lockers, seemed too costly or unworkable. On Friday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he wasn’t changing his mind.

“We don’t need to have kids go off and look at entertainment and do other things during the classroom,” Bloomberg said on his weekly radio show. “And we just don’t have the ability to check the phones at the door. So I don’t have any easy solutions for parents who want their children to have cell phones before school and after school.”

The school system’s ban — which opponents say has been only sporadically enforced — traces back to a 1988 policy that prohibits beepers and other communication devices. It has been interpreted to apply to cell phones and other gadgets, including iPods. Both cell phones and iPods are prime targets of theft in schools.

What thrust the mobile phone issue into the public sphere recently was the system’s decision to send portable metal detectors to random schools on a surprise basis in an effort to lower already falling crime rates. The searches have netted many cell phones.

Parents passionate about the subject invoke memories of major city emergencies, including the Sept. 11 attacks, as proof that mobile phones are critical lifelines. Some also frame the issue as a civil rights matter.

“We talk about schools as prisons in this city,” said Cecilia Blewer, a parent of two. “They’re being acculturated to accept prison conditions. What I want to know is how they’re teaching civics with a straight face any more. How would they explain the arbitrary searches and invasion of privacy?”

Several parent organizations, backed by the teachers union president and executive board, have called for some sort of compromise on the policy. The city’s public advocate, Betsy Gotbaum, also has urged the mayor and the education department to develop a new policy.

During the Friday press conference, Carmen Colon, president of the Association of New York City Education Councils, showed off a thick petition with some 2,000 signatures of people who wanted a new policy.

For some students, it’s an issue of fairness.

“The teachers still use their cell phones and the kids can’t,” said 15-year-old Ellia Munoz, a ninth-grader in Manhattan. “They don’t have to take the cell phones. They can just see them get turned off.”

© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[Sassy]

What ever happened to parents calling the school to get ahold of their kid or the kid calling from school ? I think they should be kept off and in the lockers...I can understand them having them before or after school hours. Otherwise, too much of a distraction. I'm sure the teachers aren't using them while teaching the students!

[Bronco_Beerslug]

They don't need them during class. I'd ban them from people using them while driving too.

[Sassy]

They don't need them during class. I'd ban them from people using them while driving too.
I agree!

[W*GS]

They don't need them during class. I'd ban them from people using them while driving too.

Geez, is there anything you left-wingers wouldn't ban?

Paternalism sucks.

[Crushaholic]

There's no reason students need to have them on during class. While they are not in class, it's perfectly OK...

[heydensmom]

There's no reason students need to have them on during class. While they are not in class, it's perfectly OK...
I agree 100%. It would be easy for student to text message answers and such on exams.

[ludo21]

Yes, if i was a teacher and im trying to teach and i see punk kids texting all the time it would piss me off.

And i agree, while driving, cells are dangerous.

[Dagmar]

Dunno, but they should be banned while driving. It's illegal in the UK and should be here.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Geez, is there anything you left-wingers wouldn't ban?
Paternalism sucks.
Common sense and being polite is a b*tch, eh?
You can use yours anytime you want as long as you aren't on the same highway system as me, in the same movie theater, restaurant, sporting event, classroom, etc...

[Sassy]

I still say have them off ALL of the school day....answers to tests can come between class...

Our library even has a sign saying to keep the cell phone use to the lobby.

[errand]

What ever happened to parents calling the school to get ahold of their kid or the kid calling from school ? I think they should be kept off and in the lockers...I can understand them having them before or after school hours. Otherwise, too much of a distraction. I'm sure the teachers aren't using them while teaching the students!

Exactly...

Kids are suppose to be in school paying attention to the teachers...not who is text messaging them.

Our school system needs alot of improvement in alot of areas. Cell phones should be locked up in their lockers and used after school.

I'm blessed...my oldest daughter has a phone, and hardly ever uses it, since I hold her accountable for anything over the normal monthly charge...in fact most of the time she's leaves it at home on her dresser or night stand.

another pet peeve is kid's text messaging each other...it's like why type 800 letters when you can just hit a speed dial number and talk to them.

[Spider]

dont ban them .......... but hey if a kid is using a cell phone during class ......Detention time ............

[-Slap-]

http://img.timeinc.net/officepirates/files/images/photos/brag2_240x320.jpg

Eventually we'll see more restrictions on public cell phone usage. Many people have zero consideration for others and insist on holding loud (and generally vapid) conversations in elevators or other enclosed spaces. It will lead to a backlash one day. For years (some) smokers were obnoxious in public and now all smokers have had to pay the price of having most businesses treat them like lepers.

[gunns]

They shouldn't be in schools, what's the emergency? But those drivers that are using them are as bad as a drunk driver. I agree with slap, they may be legal but that doesn't give them the right to put other peoples lives in danger.

[RMT]

The freedoms that students now enjoy sometimes interfere with the reason they are in school - to learn. The more stuff school personnel have to monitor, the less time they have to address the important things in their job. Keeping track of cell phones, and who's text messaging answers to test, and who's taking inappropriate pictures of peers in a locker room are really causing a problem in schools.

[TheDave]

"Should cell phones be banned in schools?"

Trust me....


YES!!!

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

Common sense and being polite is a b*tch, eh?
You can use yours anytime you want as long as you aren't on the same highway system as me, in the same movie theater, restaurant, sporting event, classroom, etc...

W*GS is just a contrarian troll.

If you were to oppose pedophilia, he would be right here defending it.

Wait - he already did that on Spider's infamous "Some republicans' idea of family values" thread, didn't he?

:D

[RaiderH8r]

"Should cell phones be banned in schools?"

Trust me....


YES!!!
Agreed.

But like manners and courtesy, self importance is also taught in the home. Give it a rest people, you're not that important and your life isn't that interesting. (I'm looking at you a$$hole, yes you, the one I ride in the elevator with constantly and you drone on and on about the most inane minutiae of your daily life, repeatedly because the signal sucks, like I give a damn. I may have to kill you for the benefit of humanity)

[Garcia Bronco]

Yes they should be banned. They are there to learn...not to socialize.

[Garcia Bronco]

Agreed.

But like manners and courtesy, self importance is also taught in the home. Give it a rest people, you're not that important and your life isn't that interesting. (I'm looking at you a$$hole, yes you, the one I ride in the elevator with constantly and you drone on and on about the most inane minutiae of your daily life, repeatedly because the signal sucks, like I give a damn. I may have to kill you for the benefit of humanity)


when people do that...I start talking to them really loud.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

when people do that...I start talking to them really loud.
I'm more subtle than you, I calmly state, "People who hold conversations in rooms full of strangers on cell phones are probably the most uncouth people on the planet".

[Garcia Bronco]

I'm more subtle than you, I calmly state, "People who hold conversations in rooms full of strangers on cell phones are probably the most uncouth people on the planet".


I don't have a problem with them in public...but elevators or city buses are diffcult. People just need to realize they can talk at a low volume. I think banning use in cars is extreme, but people need to train themselves on how to do it properly. As well as when to take calls...and when not to take calls. Bottom line...people just need use good judgement. Kids.....kids have no business using them when they're driving....

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I don't have a problem with them in public...but elevators or city buses are diffcult. People just need to realize they can talk at a low volume. I think banning use in cars is extreme, but people need to train themselves on how to do it properly. As well as when to take calls...and when not to take calls. Bottom line...people just need use good judgement. Kids.....kids have no business using them when they're driving....
The problem is that people aren't raised with values, respect, etc... these days. One reason we have to have so many stupid laws.

[alkemical]

i use a headset when i drive - it is nice.

[enjolras]

i use a headset when i drive - it is nice.

Unfortunately that doesn't appear to make you any safer..

http://www.nsc.org/library/shelf/inincell.htm
http://safety.blr.com/display.cfm/id/99091


As to the topic at hand:

Cell phones are going to be a major part of modern life. Not just as a phone, but as a communication tool. Integrating cell phones into schools is essential in order to condition our kids to learn to use this technology (and all technology for that matter) in a safe and responsible way. Banning phones is just silly... teaching responsible usage IS a good idea however.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Unfortunately that doesn't appear to make you any safer..

http://www.nsc.org/library/shelf/inincell.htm
http://safety.blr.com/display.cfm/id/99091


As to the topic at hand:

Cell phones are going to be a major part of modern life. Not just as a phone, but as a communication tool. Integrating cell phones into schools is essential in order to condition our kids to learn to use this technology (and all technology for that matter) in a safe and responsible way. Banning phones is just silly... teaching responsible usage IS a good idea however.

Teach kids how to use cell phones? Are you kidding?

[alkemical]

Unfortunately that doesn't appear to make you any safer..

http://www.nsc.org/library/shelf/inincell.htm
http://safety.blr.com/display.cfm/id/99091


As to the topic at hand:

Cell phones are going to be a major part of modern life. Not just as a phone, but as a communication tool. Integrating cell phones into schools is essential in order to condition our kids to learn to use this technology (and all technology for that matter) in a safe and responsible way. Banning phones is just silly... teaching responsible usage IS a good idea however.


it's up to the driver. I drive decent with a headset. But i won't talk long whilst driving.

[TailgateNut]

As to the topic at hand:

Cell phones are going to be a major part of modern life. Not just as a phone, but as a communication tool. Integrating cell phones into schools is essential in order to condition our kids to learn to use this technology (and all technology for that matter) in a safe and responsible way. Banning phones is just silly... teaching responsible usage IS a good idea however.

Banning the option of cell phones is not something I support, but children shouldn't be allowed to use them while in class. If this cannot be enforced, then ban them during school hours!

[RaiderH8r]

when people do that...I start talking to them really loud.
I fart. Silent Killer. Peel the paint off walls and cause cancer. It's beautiful. Then, I give them an incredulous look of "What the hell man? Why did you let one go?" or if it is crowded I look dead square at the guy, point and say, "Man, couldn't you wait? That's brutal!" or some such. Then they're left stymied with a conversation on the one hand and defending themselves from their accusors on the other. It's just funny. But fart jokes are my milieu.

[Lynchfan]

I don't have a problem with them in public...but elevators or city buses are diffcult. People just need to realize they can talk at a low volume. I think banning use in cars is extreme, but people need to train themselves on how to do it properly. As well as when to take calls...and when not to take calls. Bottom line...people just need use good judgement. Kids.....kids have no business using them when they're driving....
I agree. I carry mine for emergencies on the road. The only way I answer it on the road is if there is no traffic and absolutely no texting on the road. I understand kids having phones when they go out with their friends so parents could get a hold of them,but why at school?

[Garcia Bronco]

I understand kids having phones when they go out with their friends so parents could get a hold of them,......?

I really don't think kids need them in that regard either. I didn't have a phone or pager when I was kid 15 years ago. If these people are so worried about their kids...they need to teather them to the yard. That phone isn't going to save them from anything and will cause more harm than good...it's only a tool for distraction from whatever the kids are supposed to be doing.

[bendog]

The Kid needs a phone cause often times Mrs Dog and I switch up on who's gonna pick her up. Also, one time I thought I'd lost her at the mall. She was in a dressing room, but I sort of paniced when I couldn't find her.

Also, when she's older and she tells me, "no, dad, I'm not having sex between bong hits with the guy with the piercings, I'm at the mall where I told you I'd be," I can "fine, lemme see it on the picture phone."

[Lynchfan]

What if they are out on a date something happens and she needs to call the police or you? Would be pretty handy. I am not saying tie your kids up and always keep an eye on them, just give them a solution to a problem that may or maynot arise.

[Meck77]

I'm trying to figure out why a teen would need a cell phone to begin with. Somehow a few BILLION of us grew up without them now these kids act like they are a necessity. When my parents needed to get ahold of me a little loud speaker in the classroom would say "Steve please go to the office". Worked like a charm. Oh and mom always made sure I had an extra quarter in my pocket to call her when I needed a ride home from the mall/movies etc.

[TailgateNut]

I'm trying to figure out why a teen would need a cell phone to begin with. Somehow a few BILLION of us grew up without them now these kids act like they are a necessity. When my parents needed to get ahold of me a little loud speaker in the classroom would say "Steve please go to the office". Worked like a charm. Oh and mom always made sure I had an extra quarter in my pocket to call her when I needed a ride home from the mall/movies etc.

No shiat! My daughter had a friend spend the night a couple of weeks ago. 11yr old with a f-ing cell phone. WTF is that? I draw the line at cell phone use in class for anyone, and I draw the line at cell phone priviledges until you are in High school. But thats just my opinion, obviously there are parents out there who think kids in elementary school must have access just in case they have "important business"!

[RaiderH8r]

I'm trying to figure out why a teen would need a cell phone to begin with. Somehow a few BILLION of us grew up without them now these kids act like they are a necessity. When my parents needed to get ahold of me a little loud speaker in the classroom would say "Steve please go to the office". Worked like a charm. Oh and mom always made sure I had an extra quarter in my pocket to call her when I needed a ride home from the mall/movies etc.
You, sir, are a geezer. I know, we can smell our own. It's the depends.

[ClevelandBronco]

...Oh and mom always made sure I had an extra quarter in my pocket to call her when I needed a ride home from the mall/movies etc.

You, sir, are a geezer. I know, we can smell our own. It's the depends.

A true geezer would have had a dime in his pocket to make a phone call, not a quarter.

[Garcia Bronco]

What if they are out on a date something happens and she needs to call the police or you? Would be pretty handy. I am not saying tie your kids up and always keep an eye on them, just give them a solution to a problem that may or maynot arise.


Oh...I used to sell them...I used many examples to get parent to buy one more.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I'm trying to figure out why a teen would need a cell phone to begin with. Somehow a few BILLION of us grew up without them now these kids act like they are a necessity. When my parents needed to get ahold of me a little loud speaker in the classroom would say "Steve please go to the office". Worked like a charm. Oh and mom always made sure I had an extra quarter in my pocket to call her when I needed a ride home from the mall/movies etc.
Exactly! I always had a dime (the good ole days) for a phone call from the 45 cent movies but could always find a free phone to use (so I could buy a soda instead). I didn't dare call for ride if I missed the school bus, I walked home.

[RaiderH8r]

A true geezer would have had a dime in his pocket to make a phone call, not a quarter.
Yeah...I remember the dime. I also remember penny candy that only cost a nickel :kiddingme

[Meck77]

You, sir, are a geezer. I know, we can smell our own. It's the depends.

Well I consider myself young at heart transitioning into geezer status. Ah the hell with it "My name is Meck77 and I'm a geezer". There I said it.:thanku:

*edit* I was going to say dime but I've been using my cell phone ;D for so long I can't remember if I use to make calls with a dime.

[Garcia Bronco]

No shiat! My daughter had a friend spend the night a couple of weeks ago. 11yr old with a f-ing cell phone. WTF is that? I draw the line at cell phone use in class for anyone, and I draw the line at cell phone priviledges until you are in High school. But thats just my opinion, obviously there are parents out there who think kids in elementary school must have access just in case they have "important business"!

I tell you...part of it...is the fear factor. A buddy of mine has kids....the other month on the public school bus at age 10...two boys a little older proposed sex with his daughter. Those kids are no longer allowed on a pubic school bus. The things you have worry about these days. I wonder if a cell phone in that case would make things better or worse. Ultimately you have to depend on the good judgement of your child...and that starts with proper home training whether the child has a cell phone or not.

[Hotrod]

Im happy my oldest daughter has one. The peace of mind that she can call for help is worth it to me. On the other hand if she ever got into trouble using it during school it would quickly be taken away.

[alkemical]

RFID, tag 'em, track 'em like cattle - i mean... they are 'beasts' right ;)

[RaiderH8r]

Well I consider myself young at heart transitioning into geezer status. Ah the hell with it "My name is Meck77 and I'm a geezer". There I said it.:thanku:

*edit* I was going to say dime but I've been using my cell phone ;D for so long I can't remember if I use to make calls with a dime.
Geezers get to be laid back because we've seen/been through all the BS before.

Kids piss me off, I think its because their parents don't beat them enough.

http://80below.com/uploads/dec05/beatkid4.jpg