Cell Phone Ban in Schools

Would You Support a Cell Phone Ban at Your School?

March 21, 2008

Nearly two years ago, much to the dismay of students, parents and public pleas, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg banned cell phones in Manhattan schools.

Since texting, videos, instant messages, cameras and music are all accessible at the touch of a button, I can see why schools would want to prohibit the distractions.

On the other hand, many parents argue that they need to have a lifeline to their children in case of emergencies like 9/11 or school shootings, which are scary realities in our world today.

Would you agree with a cell phone ban in your tot's school?
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26 Comments

sweetnsour 5 years 8 weeks

I would HAVE to say ban them. They are totally distracting...kids are text messaging (sometimes used to cheat on test), not paying attention to the lesson and/or assignments. It's a totally ridiculous. The worst part is that some parents are a BIG part of the problem. Why in the world would you call your kid in the middle of class? It's disgraceful. We made it through 12-13yrs of formal education without a cellie...let's just take a step back and realize that education is important...calling your kid in the middle of class to tell him to walk the dog is not. Ban the phones!!!!!

sweetnsour 5 years 8 weeks

CaterpillarGirl 5 years 9 weeks

totally support the ban, if there is an emergency than go old school and use a freaking land line.

MarinerMandy 5 years 9 weeks

I think that kids having cell phones would make emergencies incredibly difficult. If there was another 9/11 and teachers and school officials were trying to control the chaos, every single kid on their cell phone would make that impossible. I understand parents freaking out and wanting to know that their child is okay, but unfortunately that's something you have to sacrifice in order for the authorities to have any sort of control over the situation and keep your kids from getting hurt.

Indigo4320 5 years 9 weeks

Seriously, we got along just fine w/o cells when I was in school.

orisugar 5 years 9 weeks

HipMom, I had no idea that they made emergency cell phones for kids that only dial mom and dad. That's so cool!!!

Nyrina Windu 5 years 9 weeks

I agree with HipMom.I think that banning the regular ones is fine, but NOT the ones that only dial 2 phone numbers which is 911 and their parents. Children do NOT need to make any other calls during school time. School is for learning not talking to your other friends that's out near the football field or any other place on school grounds.

Nyrina Windu 5 years 9 weeks

I agree with HipMom. I think that banning the regular ones is fine, but NOT the ones that only dial 2 phone numbers which is 911 and their parents. Children do NOT need to make any other calls during school time. School is for learning not talking to your other friends that's out near the football field or any other place on school grounds.

elizabethgracef 5 years 9 weeks

Make them keep them in their backpacks. I'd hate not being able to get in touch with someone if I knew something terrible was happening. I was just in grade school when 9/11 occurred and none of us knew what was happening, if I'd had a cell phone then, I sure would have called my mom to find out.

elizabethgracef 5 years 9 weeks

faerymagick15 5 years 9 weeks

lady t...sometimes kids with after school activities need to reach their parents to let them know if practices get canceled, etc... And believe me....the school office DOES NOT enjoy 20 kids coming in to call their parents.

faerymagick15 5 years 9 weeks

I am not for banning. I like the fact I can reach my daughter any time. BUT....the school DOES take cell phones away if they are turned on during class. That is fine. They shouldn't be using them anyway during class. My daughter has never had hers taken away. She follows the rule. But, I like being able to reach her if I need to or her reach me. She can text me at lunch or immediately after school.

lady-T 5 years 9 weeks

your kid is in school why would u need to reach him to know where he is???? mobile phones distract the teacher and the other kids and the child with the phone is not paying attention also

wiciltd 5 years 9 weeks

Repeat after me everyone - cell phones are a LUXURY not a NECCESSITY and as abqmama said people have gotten along just fine without cell phones for a very very long time So screw those spoiled prima donnas and their over protective parents.. School is about learning - so learn.. and if you have time in between classes socialize with your friends.. They should all be at school anyway so you shouldn't really have any reason to NEED a cell phone during school hours Hell, I don't think kids should have cell phones period... Unless they have a job and can pay for them themselves.. Maybe then when they realize the cost involved in this they will respect them more.. BUT NOT IN SCHOOL

wiciltd 5 years 9 weeks

abqmama 5 years 9 weeks

Oh come on, how is this even an issue? When I was in high school (not that long ago really) no one even had cell phones at all. People lived without them forever until very recently. I think its funny how people, even kids, seem like they absolutely can't live without them. I think it would be ok to bring them and leave them, turned off, in a locker or car for after school but they shouldn't be allowed to have them at all during school hours. School is for learning and if you want to socialize with your friends during the day you can find them and talk to them in person.

lickety split 5 years 9 weeks

ban them. kids are not only talking on them at inappropriate times they are competing for the best cell phone. school is for learning. lunch is not a break from school the way lunch is a leave from work. kids need to learn to socailize and go over home work, etc. talk on your own time.

K is For Kait 5 years 9 weeks

I think that cell phones should be banned in elementary and middle schools definitely, but I really don't see the harm in people have them in high school for non-classtime purposes. Cell phones seen in the classroom should be taken away immediately, but there's no harm in kids having their cell in order to make class after school or during lunch breaks. As much as cell phones may be considered a distraction, I'm sure there are other things kids could distract themselves with just as easily. I missed plenty of valuable class time writing notes and doodling! :)

K is For Kait 5 years 9 weeks

Jessie M 5 years 9 weeks

I don't agree with an all out ban-the high school I went to has an all out ban in effect, which none of the current students are too pleased about. I can understand an in-class ban, as some students will use cell phones to cheat or text their friends when bored in class. But in between classes and on lunch or spares cell phones should be allowed! Now, for elementary schools I'm not sure, I dont even know anyone in elementary school that has their own cell phone! But assuming enough students did have a phone, as long as its turned off during school hours, I don't see a problem with them taking it with them to school.

foxie 5 years 9 weeks

Good thinking, hipmom. Cell phones are a definite distraction. I used to reach into my pocket and dial the classroom phone over and over and over again to mess with the teacher.

foxie 5 years 9 weeks

Good thinking, hipmom.Cell phones are a definite distraction. I used to reach into my pocket and dial the classroom phone over and over and over again to mess with the teacher.

LeahWright 5 years 9 weeks

I am a middle school secretary and I see a lot of cell phone-related "distractions", so to say. I support allowing the kids to have their phones, provided they are turned completely off and put away. This is the policy we currently have in place where I work. The problem is those kids who can not respect those rules. The majority of teens are fine, but the ones who can not follow the rules, should have harsher punishment - suspension if necessary. Disregard for a rule as simple as a cell phone policy leads to disregard for other rules.

HipMom 5 years 9 weeks

Me too, with one exceptions: those mini-cell phones that can only dial two number, mom and dad - great in case of emergency, useless for distraction purposes.

DesignRchic 5 years 9 weeks

I'd totally support banning.

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26 Comments

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