The debate about students having cell phones in school reminds me of the policies on gum. I once managed to get gum on the bottoms of both shoes at the same time and became determined that my students would not chew gum in class. I eventually gave up. It just wasn't worth the effort. Maybe they could invent a shoe with soles that would not pick up gum. That would be easier. Back to cell phones. The battle goes on, but it looks like the kids are winning.
A survey of students from a St. Petersburg High School is probably typical of a lot of schools across the country.
95% have cell phones.
97% of those who have cell phones bring them to school.
88% know the district's policy on cell phone use.
90% of students who know the policy disobey it.
95% of the students who disobey the rule text message during class.
24% say they have used their cell phones to cheat.
28% say they have had their cell phones confiscated.
Cell phones are great for keeping up with your kids and loved ones. I do think that using cell phones to make videos of teachers and putting them on YouTube is just wrong. I wonder how many private schools would kick a student out for that type of behavior. Plus, how fair is it to judge a teacher on students' test results if the students are sending text messages to their friends instead of listening?