SHOULD CELL PHONE USAGE BE CONTROLLED IN CLASSROOMS?

Hi guys! Welcome back to our blog. How are you? Today we’re going to discuss about a very important topic for both teachers and students. In your opinion, should cell phone usage be controlled in classrooms? Why? Why not? Here’s my opinion!

Cell phones have gone from a sought-aft
er luxury to a daily necessity. While these devices provide convenient access to the outside world, they can be problematic for educators. Elementary school teachers can tell children in their classes to put their phones away, but should professors have the same control over grown men and women? The key is to create cell phone usage policies that limit distractions without hindering student rights.  

The primary argument supporting cell phone control in the classroom is the fact that phones can be distracting. Not only do cell phones distract instructors, but they may also distract students trying to pay attention to the lecture. This is the same effect as a moviegoer looking at his phone in a theater. Even if the phone makes no noise, the light from the screen is enough to catch someone’s attention.

The best solution is to create cell phone usage rules that allow devices to be accessible without disturbing other students’ educational opportunities. Students should be permitted to keep their phones in their bags, pockets, or other belongings as long as the phones are on silent in class. Vibrate settings may be permitted if the instructor does not believe it will distract him or her, since the noise of the vibration may not be noticeable in a large classroom. If a student needs to answer the phone during an emergency, he or she can step out of the classroom to do so. This setup would give the students and the instructor peace of mind. 

Cell phone restrictions in classrooms should also include specific disciplinary actions for breaking the rules. If a student is caught using the phone in class, he or she should be excused for the rest of the day. Professors should refrain from physically taking possession of a student’s phone because of liability conflicts. If the phone is damaged while in the professor’s possession, the school or the instructor could be held responsible for the repairs. It is safer to ask the student to leave the classroom than it is to take the phone away completely.

Each school, professor and student body are different. Schools must adapt their rules and discipline efforts to reflect the current needs of their students. Eliminating cell phones in our classrooms is an overstretch, but there are ways to balance students’ rights and instructors’ rights. With the right amount of control and flexibility, schools can create a pleasant learning environment with maximum safety and minimal interruptions.

So, guys, this is my opinion. What is yours?  Let me know leaving your comments below. I’ll be glad to read them.  See you next month. Bye!

GIACOMO, 5sc