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Dear IMO,
Our three children are all in their teens. They are busy with a variety of after school activities ranging from sports to drama and cheerleading. In order to coordinate pick-up and drop offs, we have given them cell phones so they can call us with the times and places. The school district has a policy stating that cell phones must be concealed and turned off during school hours. There are a few instances when they have to break the rule in order to inform us of a late change in plans. One of the teachers saw our child calling from his locker and reported the violation. He has now lost his right to carry a cell phone to school until the end of the 10 week marking period. Is this fair? It seems to be a bit harsh for a small violation. Should we protest this with the school administration?
Sincerely,
Sheldon
Dear Sheldon,
According to a recent study done by the Pew Research Center, 63% of teens have their own cell phone. With text messaging, photography, video function, and internet access all at their finger tips, children of all ages can be tempted to abuse their intended use. Students can cheat on exams, text others with the answers to questions, search the internet for information or visit restricted sites, or simply use the calculator function on a math test.
In your case, it was to coordinate rides, a very legitimate and responsible use. However, your child broke a rule governing cell phone use, and must now suffer the consequences of his actions. Is it fair? Is the punishment too harsh?
Schools develop policies in order to protect everyone and that includes students as well as staff. They expect everyone to abide by these policies. If the school has an established cell phone policy and a student breaks the rule, then he or she must face the consequences. Your son should have gone to the office and asked the Principal for permission to use the cell phone. Since it was a legitimate use, he could have called you right in front of the Principal thereby demonstrating his respect for the policy and those who make and enforce it.
Instead, like most teens, he made an unwise choice. He got caught, and now has to endure a few months without his cell phone at school. This is what one might call "A teaching moment." Perhaps you need to see this issue from the other side. Some kids will use text messaging to send threats. Others will send unflattering photos or videos of a student in order embarrass them during a class. These can linger on the internet for months and even years causing untold emotional damage. School teachers, administrators and staff have a duty to protect the children in their buildings.
School is for learning. Cell phones are a distraction in the class room and hallways. Simply follow the policy, and when it doubt, ask a responsible adult for advice.
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