Trevor Neuenswander

1/5/11

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Cell Phone Usage at School

 

Imagine having an emergency at school, and you have no way to contact anybody! This is because you do not have a phone with you. “Cell phones were first publicly tested in 1977 in Chicago. Since then they have rapidly become smaller, faster, and more versatile, adding several functions like text messaging, picture messaging, games, and internet access. Cell phones are nearly ubiquitous today, and provide many advantages.” (http://www.ehow.com/list_5879918_pros-cons-cell-phone-use.html). Cell phones are very important. They affect us every day of our life, and help us accomplish goals as well.

        You can use cell phones to check the date, time, call people, and even send messages. They can also be used to help research or communicate about a project. Parents can keep in touch with their children; ask them questions, change after school plans, or just say “Hello!”. “Nowadays, 22 percent of children between the age of 6 and 9 have cell phones. 60 percent of 10 –14 year olds and 84 percent of 15-18 year olds have them too,” says a family education website (http://life.familyeducation.com/cellular-telephones/school/51264.html). Of course, kids would not be allowed to use them during class time, but they could during break or lunch.

       During class, students may forget to turn their phones to silent mode, and rings and buzzes may disrupt the teacher or class. Even if they are set to silent, many teenagers may still text, since it has been a hi-tech way of passing notes. The radiation in phones also may cause brain cancer if you use it too much. National Cancer Institute says “Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy, which is a form of radiation that has been under study for many years for its effects on the human body.” (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/cellphones). You can also get addicted to it, which can cause a lack of sleep from being on it at night. "Cell phone addiction (particularly in teenagers) is becoming common as cell phones become more popular. If your teen is constantly texting, avoiding homework and is preoccupied with her phone, she might be addicted. Studies show that cell phone addiction is similar to pathological gambling." (http://healthmad.com/addiction/cell-phone-addiction/).

       A good way to help prevent these problems would be to take a break from it and don’t use it 24/7. The teacher could also remind everyone to turn them off as the students enter the classroom. The teacher however could chose if he or she would let students use cell phones during class for research, etc, or even for communicating about a project across the classroom quietly.

 

A cell phone can be someone’s life in the palm in your hands. With all the abilities it can do, you may never need a computer again! If you bring that to school, learning will be increased to a level that all of your resources will be within 5 feet!