Cellpones in Public Schools

USE OF CELL PHONES IN SCHOOL

Use of Cell Phones in Public School

Introduction

The New York city public schools should allow the use of cell phones in schools as cell phones represent the wonderful synthesis of a host of modern technologies that can be used in assisting students with education and training , along with providing a useful tool to help in cases of emergencies that enhances safety and security provisions of students

Need for Change

The current sweeping ban on use of cell phones in NY city schools is

br with the intention of providing a hassle free and conducive educational environment . School authorities imposed the bans on use of cell phones because cell phones were perceived as disruptive factors that distracted students from studies . Its increasing use also shifted the priorities of students who started to use cell phones for gossips , rumors , and unnecessary communication in classes . Further the recent advancements in technology have transformed cell phones from mere communication devices to communication and entertainment units where they can be used for listening songs , taking pictures , and accessing Internet , adding to the concern of school authorities against their possible misuse . School authorities also fear that cell phones can assist in unethical behaviors in examinations and tests and hence justify the restrictions imposed on their use (School Safety , 2007

However , in the wake of current threats of national crises , such as one presented by September 11 , 2001 , the Columbian school massacre and the ever increasing menace of terrorism , the ban imposed by NY city department on use of cell phones requires serious consideration and in turn relaxation in the policy to alleviate the fears of parents on safety of their children and give them a peace of mind (Tech , 2002

In the event of any local or national crisis , parents and guardians especially panic regarding the safety and well being of their children They undergo huge stress and uncertainty and may rush to schools in person to get assurance that their children have come to no harm . Such events also create problems for school management , as they are they flooded with large number of simultaneous queries by anxious parents Typically no school system is equipped to handle such flow of queries and it sends further create nervousness among parents

Unexpected calamities and terrorism do not represent only concerns of parents about security and safety of their children . Frequent instances of crimes , assault , and abductions also raise insecurity of parents Children are particularly vulnerable against such threats , and they are easy targets of abductors and molesters . While it is not recommendable to restrict their movements against all the potential threats , parents would be certainly relieved if they are able to track the movements of their children and ensure that they are within the familiar territories .Plan for Change

Based on these concerns , increasing number of parents are demanding that NY city department lift its complete restriction on use of cell phones Many schools , such as Adlai E . Stevenson school in Chicago...