"A teacher decided that in order for his students to be marked present, they have to put their cell phones into one of these slots at the start of class, which they will get back after class is finished."Many adults agreed with this statement. However, I don't. I'll list the many reasons why I disagree with this.
First, every adult who agreed whole-heartedly with kids not having their phones at school are the same people who expect to have full access to their cells while at work. Not to mention, these adults probably bought the phone for their kids in the first place. Also, for every adult who agreed, do you allow your kid to take their phone to school? Bet you do. Few workplaces insist their employees put their phones away, unless they are front-line retail workers. So why are adults insisting kids put their phones away? Set an example. Adults, put yours away first.
Next, why are you judging the reason behind someone else's kid having a cell phone in the first place? Are you their parent? Do you know the reasons behind them having one? Do you know the rules the parents have placed on them having the phone? Who are you to judge why my kid -- or anyone else's -- has one? Are you paying for it? No? Then take a healthy dose of "Shut the Fuck Up" and mind your own business.
Now, many teachers at the junior high level and up allow the kids to use their cell phones in class to research social studies projects and various other projects. Access to computer labs at school isn't always easy. They are a great learning tool. It teaches kids responsibility and how to use their devices wisely in a controlled environment. Kids love their devices -- NOT just to text their buddies but for the information they can find at the press of a button. Both of my kids find some very interesting facts about the subjects they like. Hell, I've researched tons of things on my cell phone -- things I would've forgotten to look up later had I not had a cell. Again, for all you adults who say they shouldn't be in the class room, update your thinking and open your mind to new learning styles. Kids learn exceptionally well this way.
What about the odd kid who has no cell phone? How does that kid make sure they are marked present? When teachers take away expensive devices, are they going to be held responsible for private property that gets stolen? Lost? Broken? What security measures do teachers like this have in place so the kids get their phones back? Let me guess: they don't and will summarily refuse to accept responsibility.
My final complaint about this discussion is how mean people are to those of us who believe kids should be allowed to have their phones with them. There is NO NEED for the kind of cruel comments that smack loudly of school-yard bullies. Don't like the reason someone has a phone for their child -- whether it's a chronic disease or to help keep them safe while they walk to and from school? Scroll by. There's no need to say "your kid had blah, blah, blah 30 years ago and survived school just fine". Or kids were safe enough 30 years ago walking to and from school. Good for you, but I guarantee if you'd had access to this technology 30 years ago, you would've used it. Also, let's not forget that many teachers today won't take responsibility for a kid's medical issues -- 30 years ago, they did. Also, the world was a safer place 30 years ago, so you knew your kid was going to be fine going to and from school. Because people were kinder 30 years ago -- we've morphed into a planet full of self-centered idiots.
Better yet, how about we just drop the double-standards? If you expect kids not to have phones at school, then I expect each and everyone of you to NEVER have your phones at work. If you don't believe kids should have cell phones, then make sure yours doesn't before you go pointing fingers. Because, honestly, I've seen more rudeness from adults regarding cell phone use than I have ever seen from kids.
Let's also recognize smart phones for their educational capabilities. They are not evil, little devices that turn the human race into zombies. If that's how you view them, then I hope you don't own one -- or a computer, for that matter. Unfortunately, I know many of you own both -- because I've read your ignorant comments.
Bottom line is this: everyone does what is best for them and their situation. Outside opinions don't matter. Keep them to yourself.
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