Cell phones in school

Q: I'm a teacher in a small private school. The school has never had a policy on cell phone use, except during tests, because it wasn't much of a problem. But this year more students have phones with better features and have been texting and even visiting their Myspace and Facebook accounts with their phones. Any ideas on how to stop this?

A: I always have ideas. I think it would be wise for the school to come up with a policy (I know, I know...where are common sense and parents when you need them?) Send a letter home during the summer letting everyone know what the policy is regarding cell phones and what actions will be taken for any offenses. I'd envision running over them with the nearest SUV (running over the cell phones, not the students). Not doable but one can dream, eh?

I'd suggest having each student and parent sign copies of the cell phone policy to show that they know what the rules are. The first time (I wouldn't give too many chances in this regard or the policy is virtually meaningless), I would take the phone and call the parents from the phone right then and there. Most parents take calls from their children so chances are good you'd reach a parent.

Repeated infractions could possibly mean losing cell phone privileges on the campus for the rest of the year, even if it is the first week of school. A policy with no teeth is no policy at all.

In the meantime, when a student is found to be using his/her cell phone at an inappropriate time, take the cell phone until the end of the school day. These are high tech toys and students shouldn't be playing with toys in class. If the student has a repeat offense, tell the student that he/she can have the phone back when a parent comes to get it. A few times of this and maybe the parents will enforce policies of their own. One can hope.

copyright Julie P. Clark 2009
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