•✩• Should Students be Allowed to Have Cellphones in School?

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

I'm not sure whether to put this in the "Ethics and Education" or "Economics and Laws" folder...

[Sai :), Assistant Moderator]

i think ethics and education is fine :)

[Sai :), Assistant Moderator]

and answering the prompt, no. phones are so distracting and if you think kids don't check their phones during class, you must go to a very heavenly school.

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

Sai :) wrote: "i think ethics and education is fine :)"

Ty!

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

Sai :) wrote: "and answering the prompt, no. phones are so distracting and if you think kids don't check their phones during class, you must go to a very heavenly school."

Lol agreed

[Sai :), Assistant Moderator]

wait that's a really good point

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

Griffin 🏳️‍🌈✨ wrote: "My favorite subject

It’s there property, if a school shooting happens are a child doesn’t have a phone

Most school shootings are called in by the kids

If a kid checks there phone during class..."

Yes, and students from poor-income families may only have access to wifi at school

[Sky ~take from you like you took from me~, Assistant Moderator]

I personally think that we should have our phones. We might need to contact a parent or guardian for something important, like if we have something going on after school or during school that the parents dont know about. Not to mention if something dangerous was going on, like a fire or a shooter. Also, if we're sick. I've gone to the nurses office feeling awful before and the nurses would say "well you don't have a fever and you haven't thrown up so I cant send you home" which is ridiculous, but my dad sent my Gran to pick me up one time because I had a really bad headache. Phones are important. I think there should definitely be a way to keep students off their phones, but taking away they're ability to contact someone is not the answer.

[butterfly is back (barely, mostly on insta)]

I mean what we had to do was keep our phones in our lockers all day and they would do body/bag checks throughout the day to see if we had our phones on us.
As we got older they were more lenient and allowed us to use phones in class with permission, but if you were found with a phone in school it would be confiscated and you would have to pay

[TESSIE, Assistant Moderator]

I think that (what your school did mini) is way overboard. I think (im homeschooled but) they they should be able to have their phones. There should be bags or pockets at the back of seats where they can put their phones. A teacher could see if they were reaching back to grab them, but they could easily reach them if something happened.

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

MidnightButterfly wrote: "I mean what we had to do was keep our phones in our lockers all day and they would do body/bag checks throughout the day to see if we had our phones on us.
As we got older they were more lenient an..."

I don't think that's fair. A phone is your own property, the school shouldn't be allowed to hold it and fine you about it imo

[Sai :), Assistant Moderator]

Tessie ~face of an angel, mind of a killer~ wrote: "I think that (what your school did mini) is way overboard. I think (im homeschooled but) they they should be able to have their phones. There should be bags or pockets at the back of seats where th..."

that's a good idea! they can't really get distracted by their phones but if they need it then it's there

[butterfly is back (barely, mostly on insta)]

Barnette wrote: "MidnightButterfly wrote: "I mean what we had to do was keep our phones in our lockers all day and they would do body/bag checks throughout the day to see if we had our phones on us.
As we got older..."

Lol well the excuse was that you didn;t realise how bad it was for you

[Sky ~take from you like you took from me~, Assistant Moderator]

Tessie ~face of an angel, mind of a killer~ wrote: "I think that (what your school did mini) is way overboard. I think (im homeschooled but) they they should be able to have their phones. There should be bags or pockets at the back of seats where th..."

Good idea, but there is the problem of stealing. I've gotten many things stolen from me. Food, pencils, supplies, so I don't doubt that a teen would take your phone when you're not looking.

[Sai :), Assistant Moderator]

true. i've literally had my water bottle stolen 😭

[butterfly is back (barely, mostly on insta)]

I have had everything and anything stolen

[YourLocalPoliticsPotato]

Yes. Schools shouldn't be allowed to control kids' property

[Max]

I think that the phone distracts students from learning, but they should have a cellphone, in case of emergency

[sophia_thesecond (the fate of ophelia ver.)]

phones are an interesting subject. I think they should be allowed for reasons like emergencies, school related things, and to contact other people. for example I'm in a few extracurriculars and the way we contact each other is through texts or using the Remind app. some kids will abuse it. but I think it ultimately comes down to the teachers classroom management. for example I have 4 classes with 4 different teachers only one is super strict on the phones and WILL write you up if you have it out when your not allowed. another teacher doesn't want phones out but he doesn't actually do anything he just yells empty threats so everyone knows they can still use them without consequence.

my state actually just passed law limiting the use of cell phones in school. will all teachers actually use and follow this? I don't know

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

♡Kelly♡ wrote: "In some ways yes in others no like kids can easily be distracted and not pay attention and then it comes back to them- in others yes. Phones and be a good help for research and learning."

But most kids have school computers for research and learning activities

[Lily ୨ৎ]

I think yes they should be allowed because there could be a situation where kids will need to use there phones. I know my mother was telling me in her high school the had purse like pouches for their phones and to seal the pouches it had Velcro so when they went to open it in class the teachers would here. I have also heard that many kids get anxiety from being away from their phone and not knowing of an emergency

[Nikolai !!]

In my school, we are allowed to have our phones but they must be put into these little pockets that each class has but not many people do it anymore compared to the start of the year. A lot of teachers are just 'if I don't see you on it, I really don't care.' So it isn't THAT much of a big deal for me because I know when and when not to be on my phone for an education.
But with my boyfriend's school, he has to put it in a sleeve and can't get into it until the end of the day. He can't even have it during lunch or passing periods. That is what I find very unreasonable because what if there is an emergency? It's also because I wouldn't be able to talk to him throughout the day so that cuts our time even more than it has before with our clubs and activities.

But I don't mind the whole pocket thing, because I would be able to have my phone incase of a school disaster and such. But I know a lot of people who finds it dumb and can't handle not having their phone for 45 minutes to an hour. But phones can also help medically, like people who are diabetic and their phones have their blood sugar

[Logar]

I am currently in school typing this on my phone so I think my opinion is somewhat obvious

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

Logar wrote: "I am currently in school typing this on my phone so I think my opinion is somewhat obvious"

:D

[Austin (Weird)]

yes but only during breaks or emergencies (I,e school shooting or someone dying)

[kitcantspell]

yes phones should be allowed

emergencies, shooting, mental illness, whatever, phones should be allowed. if the kid doesnt want to learn, it is their fault entirely by being on their phone

[Sky ~take from you like you took from me~, Assistant Moderator]

At my school, we're supposed to have them turned off and in our backpacks, but a lot of people just have them in their pockets. Mine (I mean its a flip phone cuz my parents WANT me to be made fun of/not rlly but it feels like it) is always silent and in a little satchel-purse thing that I carry around.

[Callietlove]

I think students should be allowed to bring their phones to school because it’s their personal property. It doesn’t seem fair to ask them to leave it somewhere far away, where it could get lost or stolen. If something bad happens to the phone, like if it goes missing, most schools won’t really do anything to help find it. So it’s better if students are allowed to keep their phones in their bags or pockets. I get that some people are worried about cheating or students using phones during class, but can’t the teachers just pay more attention and watch their students closely? If someone breaks the rules, the teacher can simply confiscate the phone and ask the parents to pick it up. Idk that's what our school does and it works fine.😭

[Callietlove]

Also, having a phone in school can be really helpful in case of emergencies. What if there’s a fire, or a shooting? Students should be able to contact their parents or emergency services. Even for smaller things, like needing to get picked up early or letting your parents know you’re safe. So yeah, having a phone is really useful.

[Sai :), Assistant Moderator]

i think you should have your phone in the classroom, but not on you. maybe on pockets on a wall. but it should definitely be available in case you need it because trust me you will. i've had to evacuate at school once because of a real fire alarm, at least ten times (not joking i live near two fault lines) because of earthquakes, and once had to shelter in place because of a shooting threat. a lot of schools have similar records, like at my new school apparently two years ago there was a guy with a real gun at the college literally right next to the school, and they had to lock down. and in all of those situations, a phone would be really helpful. in fact during the shelter in place that i had last year some kids were freaking out because we were in pe and didn't have any devices and couldn't contact anybody

[Sky ~take from you like you took from me~, Assistant Moderator]

While the pockets on the wall thing is a good idea, one problem I mentioned earlier is that its not out of character for teens to steal phones, or literally anything, that isn't on your body. Perhaps there should be locks on the pockets or something?

[[deleted user]]

Their parent or guardian would have to step in, but I would say only at lunch however not in classes. They need to learn.

[butterfly is back (barely, mostly on insta)]

i mean yall in america are on your chromebooks all the time anyway so ig in america phone isnt much of a big deal

[Callietlove]

Sai :) wrote: "i think you should have your phone in the classroom, but not on you. maybe on pockets on a wall. but it should definitely be available in case you need it because trust me you will. i've had to eva..."

Okaayy, I get what you’re saying about keeping phones in wall pockets especially with all the emergencies you've been through, but honestly, that’s not rlly practical. Let's say for instance, if there’s a fire, earthquake or a lockdown, who’s gonna run to the front of the room and grab their phone? That’s not safe at all. It makes way more sense to let students keep their phones in their bags or pockets (on silent ofc) so they have quick access if something serious happens. Teachers can still be strict and take them away if someone’s using it during class but at least they’re not out of reach when it actually matters.

[butterfly is back (barely, mostly on insta)]

idk we didnt have our phones the school will inform when theres an emergency to your parents??

[Sai :), Assistant Moderator]

Callieitlove wrote: "Sai :) wrote: "i think you should have your phone in the classroom, but not on you. maybe on pockets on a wall. but it should definitely be available in case you need it because trust me you will. ..."

fair point the only issue i see with that rule is that people easily take it out of their backpacks when the teacher isn't looking but honestly that's a really good idea

[Callietlove]

Sai :) wrote: "Callieitlove wrote: "Sai :) wrote: "i think you should have your phone in the classroom, but not on you. maybe on pockets on a wall. but it should definitely be available in case you need it becaus..."

FRR😭

[Callietlove]

MidnightButterfly wrote: "idk we didnt have our phones the school will inform when theres an emergency to your parents??"

Well how are you even sure the teacher’s gonna inform the parents on time?? Like be fr, it’s way better if students have their own phones because at the end of the day parents just wanna know if THEIR child is okay. Imagine there’s a natural disaster or like a shooting and the teacher sends a message in the class group chat. Of course, all the parents are gonna go "ma’am/sir is my child safe??” or “is [insert their child's name] okay??” and the teacher’s probably busy talking to other teachers or handling the situation, so they can’t reply to everyone instantly. And it's not even their fault since they’re literally in the middle of it too. And it just makes the parents panic even more. Like, wouldn't it be way less stressful if the student just texted their mom or dad like “i’m okay”?

[Callietlove]

Plus i read a news article about a mom whose two kids were in a school shooting at East High School in Denver. The only thing her kids could do was text her while hiding in the auditorium. (see? just shows how phones are so important) And i’ve also experienced it firsthand, there was a crazy earthquake during school, and it was honestly so scary. People fainted, it was raining rlly hard and i couldn’t find my sibling who goes to the same school. Having my phone that time mattered so much because i needed to check on my sibling and call my mom. Like how are we supposed to go home or know what’s going on if we’re just standing there waiting for updates?? Not having a phone during stuff like that just makes everything worse especially for the parents who are at home freaking out.

[Callietlove]

Studies also claim that cellphones are important since they help students tell their parents they’re safe and give quick updates when something bad happens (Mendoza, 2018).

[Callietlove]

Also, a lot of parents don’t like phone bans at school because they’re scared they won’t be able to contact their kids during emergencies (Soares, 2024). In fact a recent poll showed that 78% of parents want their kids to have phones at school just in case something goes wrong (Arundel, 2024). And most parents just want to hear from their child right away to know they’re okay (National Parents Union, 2024).

[butterfly is back (barely, mostly on insta)]

Well i didnt have a phone in school until my last year of hs

[butterfly is back (barely, mostly on insta)]

Also the students should be busy escaping?? During a shooting etc. Its actually a security risk to be online due to signals used to track people

[gia!!]

The law of no cellphones during school hours in the state of Texas is finalized September first. One day I didn't bring my phone to school, and my teacher went through my backpack to make sure I didn't have my phone, which I feel like is a violation of privacy. It's not airport security, it's highschool.

[siera ᯓ★ (nari’s vers.) (s.ia)]

we were shown a video depicting what to do during a school shooting (it’s horrible that we even need to have that.) and one of the instructions given was to text your parents and tell them you’re alright. i live in texas and they’ve banned phones in schools. it’s so contradictory to tell us to text our parents and tell them we’re alright, and then not allow us to bring phones.

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

sieraqvt🇻🇳 semi-ia (school) wrote: "we were shown a video depicting what to do during a school shooting (it’s horrible that we even need to have that.) and one of the instructions given was to text your parents and tell them you’re a..."

That's awful, I literally saw a video about that today on YouTube and I think it's so messed up, that you have to learn what to do in that situation and that there's contradictions like that

[Sai :), Assistant Moderator]

yeah, a lot of times people don't think things through, like california also banned phones after the election and even though we have to put our phones in a dumb phone caddy at the start of every class, we're still allowed to bring our own devices from home, no browsing restrictions, and while 99% of kids do use their own devices, guess what? NO DISTRACTIONS. we should have more faith in students

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

I'm going to public school next year (currently homeschooled), and I have an anxiety disorder and ADHD (both professionally diagnosed) that make it really hard for me to focus during class. I get overstimulated and have panic attacks and meltdowns pretty easily. What helps me focus is music and this app on my phone that gives me activities and breathing exercises to calm down, but phones are banned in schools in my state. I think it's unfair that kids like me don't have access to the things that could help them actually function in school.

I do own a modern MP3 player (it looks like a tiny square-ish phone) that I have Spotify on and soon I'll be getting my self-care app on it with the calming exercises. Otherwise I have no apps or browsers on it, I only use it for listening to music, and in school I would only do that during quiet study times to help me focus (not when a teacher is lecturing obviously) or during really noisy times like lunch to prevent me getting overstimulated and have a panic attack. But I don't think the MP3 player would be allowed in schools, which is also really unfair.

What do you guys think about this?

[Livlyy ⭑.ᐟ]

Barnette {#rememberalexei} wrote: "I'm going to public school next year (currently homeschooled), and I have an anxiety disorder and ADHD (both professionally diagnosed) that make it really hard for me to focus during class. I get o..."

I completely agree , MP3 players are literally SO GOOD and they absolutely should be allowed in school because I don’t see them causing a problem

[Barnette ⋆˙⟡ , Creator, Head Moderator]

★ Livlyy ★ wrote: "Barnette {#rememberalexei} wrote: "I'm going to public school next year (currently homeschooled), and I have an anxiety disorder and ADHD (both professionally diagnosed) that make it really hard fo..."

Yess