Research Paper

Parker 1

Jasmeen Parker
Jane Blakelock
ENG 2100
March 22, y
Cell Phones in Schools
Ring, Ring! There goes another cell phone ring at school. Some teachers are wondering if
cell phones are really necessary to have in school. Some say that it is not only a big distraction,
but it can also lead to events like cheating, fights, etc. However, many parents think that their
children should keep their cell phones on them in case of an emergency. Some schools are
turning more technology friendly which can change the way some teachers teach their students,
by allowing devices such as laptops, tablets, smart boards, and even cell phones. Is there a way
both sides can get what they want? Can kids have their phones with them without it being a
distraction? All of these questions can be answered as you continue to read.
Teachers think cell phones are unnecessary, parents think they are necessary. In an article
by Deborah Lee and Maureen McMahon, they point out that cell phones are a distraction in
school, therefore, there should be no reason for students to call or text during school. They also
add that if parents plan their schedule in advance then there should be no reason to have cell
phone communication (Lee and McMahon). Plus, schools have phones in the building to get in
contact with parents if need be. Cell phones in classrooms? Some people say No! Students need
to pay attention (Greg Graham). The author mentions a study released in 2010 by the Kaiser
Family Foundation that found that in 1999 teens between the ages of 13-18 spent about 7 hours
and 30 minutes exposed to social media and in 2009 that time increased to 10 hours and 45
minutes (Greg Graham). We spend so much time on technology and social media that it becomes

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harder to turn away from a TV or shut off cell phones and other devices. Graham also says that
our attention is a limited resource so pay attention to where you pay attention. This goes back
to the point that cell phones are distracting.
This trend was said to have started after the 9/11 terrorist attack (Josh Higgins), in the
sense that it got parents worried about the safety of their children so they had them bring cell
phones in case something were to happen. While that is a valid reason, the author provides even
more reasons why phones should not be allowed. For example, students can use phones to cheat
on a test by either texting the answers or taking a picture of the test if they are not caught. They
can also use the camera to take pictures of something or someone, which can be used for
blackmail, sexting, or humiliation. The authors also state that cell phones can be a school safety
issue in the sense that there have been a number of cases for calling in bomb threats to schools
(Lee and McMahon). Grace Chen mentions in her own article that cell phones would also be
used for pranks. For example, a student could falsely call a bomb threat that send everyone into
panic/worry and forces them to evacuate the school. Sometimes it may be hard for people like
the police to trace where that call came from (Grace Chen). The authors propose that not only are
cell phones distracting, they can also be dangerous.
Another article also talks about the negative results of cell phones in school is that it
could lead to fear and contribute to school rumors. Our generation relies on texting as a primary
way of communicating. There have been reports from schools across the nation saying that
rumors have disrupted school and have resulted to low attendance due to fears. Text messaging
has also been the reason behind rumors, threats, and violence. Students know that some school
do not allow the use of cell phones, but they still use them for things like texting/communicating
and social media.

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Students will still bring cell phones to school no matter what, they just choose to be
sneaky about having them out. If the schools policy is not to allow cell phones during school
hours and students still take them out, what should teachers do? Should they take their phone
away? Or place the student in detention? Robert Earl states that, School policies outlawing cell
phones are clearly not enough Parents and students argue that by taking a students cell phone
at school would violate their fourth amendment to prohibit unreasonable searches. Some parents
in New York City filed lawsuits against their Department of Education, schools Chancellor, and
even the mayor since they banned cell phones in that school districted and refused to discuss or
listen to the concerns (Grace Chen). What would help schools enforce the No Cell Phones rule
so that it will not be a reoccurring event?
According to one source, schools that ban mobile phones see better academic results
(Jamie Doward). Doward mentioned that after schools banned mobile phones, the test scores of
students aged 16 improved by 6.4%. The economists reckon that this is the equivalent of adding
five days to the school year (Jamie Doward). Majority of teenagers in the U.S. has a mobile
phone. In a survey conducted in 2001, no school banned mobiles. By 2007, this had risen to
50%, and by 2012 some 98% of schools either did not allow phones on school premises or
required them to be handed in at the beginning of the day (Jamie Doward). However, some
schools are still pushing to cell phone use in schools. If some schools, who allow cell phones, are
still hesitant to believe it works then maybe having them try it out in their school and see the
results. Even though modern technology is being used more frequently in schools, there are still
potential drawbacks (Jamie Doward).
Some people think that schools should allow cell phones. Some schools think that it will
be beneficial to allow students to use cell phone. More than 50 percent of parents said schools

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should make more use of mobile devices for education (Growing Wireless). Grace Chen
mentions how it can enhance safety and communication. Cell phones have useful tools that can
contribute to education. They are like mobile computers because they both are able to texting,
digital photography, video capabilities, calculators, and access the internet. The author provides
an example of when it would be a good time to use a cell phone. If there are student groups
within a class and your group needs to communicate with groups outside of their own, then they
can text or communicate to share information or ask other groups questions. They could even
communicate with the teacher if need be. Cell phones can help access information quicker, which
can help students with research.
Another reason for allowing cell phones in classrooms are that it provides a more
comfortable way for students to learn (Concordia Online Edu.). Our younger generation today
knows how to use cell phones extremely well. They are becoming a tool most used by teens
(Concordia Online Edu.). Students can also have access to educational apps on their devices.
There is a wide range of apps that teachers can use in their classroom and students can easily
access them. The focus of this topic should not be if cell phones should be used, but how to use
them (Concordia Online Edu.).
In an article from USA Today, they mention how, at a school in Cincinnati, students
actually pack devices like cell phones and iPads to bring to school. Some teachers even allow
students to use their cell phones to help them complete assignments (Josh Higgins). The author
states that some schools are changing their policies for banning cell phones and teachers are
lifting the bans and incorporating them into their curriculum (Josh Higgins). He also says that
these devices promote a certain type of learning that is limited, therefore, proper training is
needed for teachers.

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Norris encourages them to bring them out of hiding and use them in their classroom for
curricular purposes. Norris also says that using cell phones more can help limited funds for
educational software and teachers' professional development. So it can save schools money on
devices like computers. Another benefit is that if schools allow cell phones, then they can put up
firewalls to not only protect your children, but also prevent them from going on sites that they
should be on in school, like social media. Norris stated that the way to school improvement is
through teacher improvement. Teachers can form new strategies for teaching by including cell
phones instead of banishing them.
Here are some statistics: According to a Concordia Online Education website, in 2012
74% of young adults between the ages of 25-34 own cellphones. 58% of teens between the ages
of 13-17 owned cell phones, which is a 22% increase from 2011. Greg Graham stated that 84%
of 13-17 year olds have reported sleeping with their cell phones next to them. 51% of high
school students carry a cell phone with them to school every day, 28% of middle school students
(Growing Wireless). This shows how much technology is escalating in our younger generation.
In the end, both sides have proved some good points. There are just as many reasons to
ban cell phones in school as there are to accept them. According to Greg Howard, author of an
article for a cyber bullying hotline website, wrote about both pros and cons to cell phones being
used in schools. His three main points for the case for bans are misuse during academic exams,
being used as contraband, and bans for security to protect the school and those inside. Some of
his points for the case against bans is the attitude that Kids are going to bring devices to school
anyway, so why fight it? (Greg Howard), confiscating devices can be a hassle, and positive
educational purposes. Howard speaks for both sides of the debate and he brings up different
points from the ones mentioned earlier.

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Some may wonder what the result of this decision would be like in the future for our next
generation. Apparently, few U.S. principals are in favor of teaching students the proper use of
mobile devices instead of banning them (Greg Howard). While many administrators view cell
phones/mobile devices as a potential liability, these kinds of risks can be avoided with proper use
and supervision of students (Greg Howard). This is a common issue that may take some time for
schools to make a final decision. Each school is run differently than the next. Schools need to be
ready for the future.
Cell phones being allowed or not allowed in schools has been a debate that has been
going on for a long time. Granted cell phones can be a distraction for students, but can they also
be helpful in their education? Parents and teachers need to weigh the cost of technology and
education. Our generation is changing and so is technology. More and more schools are slowly
starting to bring in more technology and devices into classrooms. However, there have been
some strong points as to why students should not bring cell phones to school due to cheating,
threats, sexting, etc. Can both sides come to a compromise on this issue? Only time will tell.

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Works Cited

"Cell Phones and Text Messages in Schools." National School Safety and Security
Services.
Web. 8 Feb. 2016.
<http://www.schoolsecurity.org/trends/cell-phones-and-text-messaging-inschools/>.
Chen, Grace. "Should Public Schools Ban Cell Phones?" Public School Review. Web. 12 Feb.
2016.
Doward, Jamie. "Schools That Ban Mobile Phones See Better Academic Results." The Guardi
an. Guardian News and Media, 16 May 2015. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
Earl, Robert. "Do Cell Phones Belong in the Classroom?" The Atlantic. 18 May 2012. Web. 12
Feb. 2016.
Graham, Greg. "Cell Phones in Classrooms? No! Students Need to Pay Attention." MediaShift
Cell Phones in Classrooms No Students Need to Pay Attention Comments. 21 Sept. 2011.
Web. 01 Mar. 2016.
Higgins, Josh. "More Schools Use Cellphones as Learning Tools." USA Today. 7 Aug. 2013.
Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
Howard, Greg. "Allowing Cell Phones In School: Benefits and Risks." Cyberbully Hotline
Anonymous Bullying Reporting. 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
"Kids Wireless Use Facts." Kids Wireless Use Facts. Web. 01 Mar. 2016.
<http://www.growingwireless.com/get-the-facts/quick-facts#Top>.
Lee, Deborah, and Maureen McMahon. "Point: Cell Phones Should Not Be Allowed In
Schools." Points Of View: Cell Phones In School (2015): 2. Points of View
Reference Center. Web. 8 Feb. 2016.
Norris, Cathie, and Elliot Soloway. "Get Cell Phones into Schools." BusinessWeek Online 15
Jan. 2009: 5. Business Source Complete. Web. 9 Feb. 2016.
"Should Schools Allow Cell Phone Use During the Day and Cell Phones in School--Yes?" Web.
8 Feb. 2016. <http://education.ky.gov/aa/items/documents/k-prep sampler odw
gr11 2012 psg based argumentative.pdf>.
"5 Benefits of Using Cellphones in School: Smartphones as Learning Tools." Concordia
Portland Online. 9 Nov. 2012. Web. 01 Mar. 2016.