What Woo-Hoo and Local and so many others said.

I'm impressed, Rage. Sorta...

But you're right. It's a skill because I said so.

...and that's SAINT Ernie, byw.

LOL

Ernie

Well said, localyocal!

Again, keep them off. I have read all the posts with much amusement again. And we wonder why we deal with what we do in school!

I am so glad so many agree with keeping them off. I have nothing against possessing a cell phone--keep it off, in your purse or binder, and don't flash at around. As a teacher, I am totally cool with that.

During testing this year, I had to ask all my students for their phones. I carefully labeled each one with their name and our class. They were picked up and locked in the principal's office. Talk about a major nuisance and another thing to worry about. I wish we didn't have to do it. But cheating, unfortunately, has caused this.

Now one comment I found particularly disturbing-- teachers don't deserve respect and you can tell in 3 minutes if a teacher deserves it? I'm sorry, my jaw just dropped. Do you allow your child to walk all over you, talk back to you, demand from you? Do you say "yes" to their every want and need? If you do, I feel sorry for your children.

I can tell in three minutes from being around your child how they are raised, how they are cared for, who is in charge, and what is lacking?

Do I demand respect from them? No, I earn it like everyone else because I take time to be understanding and show I care. Even when your child screams, yells, throws a tantrum, fights, yells, I speak to them in a calm voice. I give them space. And inside, I cry and weep for them, because of you.

Yes, but some posters on here are going so far as to say that they shouldnt be allowed on school all together.

That's not he problem now, is it? They are talking about class.

I have to ask some of you nay-sayers, what is the crime in having ur mobile device on school grounds? As long as its kept on silent or off, and used only in either extreme situations and a student's free time, what is the true crime? None at all.

hahahahahah, too funny Riverboat!!!!
:)

If it were up to me, I'd confiscate the phone being used during class and lock it in the cabinet for the rest of the year. If the kid opened his yap to complain, I'd open the window and pitch it out. Then I'd make the kid go sweep up the mess, THEN he'd have the privilege of serving detention the next day. Oh, now you can't text Mommy to tell her you have to stay after school? Boo-frickin'-hoo.

Intriguing article. With so many age references I am curious how old the writer of the article is. We are informed about opinions of six students between 14 and 17 years old and only one "communications specialist." Why?

I get it, this awfully reads like the journalism I see on network news. The title: Pro&Con: Keep them off or on? - pretended to have been of a balanced discussion, and the content that follows is sloppy plethora of student whining. I don't blame any of them - I guess they are too young to make a pressing argument. I do blame the ridiculous subject of this writing that ends:

"...The battle for students to keep their cell phones in their possession ... "

I want to know who is fighting this battle? How? and how do they become the "con" side of the issue ... by the way what is the issue? I think here is what is wrong with the article . Pro and Con discussions, in my understanding, are supposed to be two sides of same issue, thought, decision, action - and not a lame blathering about 1) The rule and 2) Those who do not want to follow it. I know I am being picky about the use of words, may be because I neither had a cell phone to distract me when I learned them in the classroom, nor had a journalist who asked me who I feel about it. And I think I am doing just fine :)

Rage, you're right, of course. But very shortsighted.

I really am awed by someone who can type on a number keypad faster than I can at a keyboard. And it does have its place.

The question though, is if it should be allowed in the classroom. Nope. Texting shouldn't be allowed nor should the device that enables it. My teacher would have had the proverbial conniption fit if I'd brought my PONG game to class.

I don't care if you use all that not-so-secret code in your text messaging. I don't care if you use it on Yahoo Messenger or AOL IM or whatever the latest fad IM software is. I got all A's on my HS and college papers too, btw. (See? Maybe not as old fogey-ish as you want to think.) And I enjoy my computer games too.

But if you use that code on a resume` that *I'm* considering I'll think you were sending the same stuff while you *should* have been learning passable communications skills.....and you're aren't goning to get the job.

Ernie

Well, LBB, besides the fact that kids need to pay attention in class... If they're soooooo smart that *already* know the difference between a noun and a verb (or, for example, that some nouns - such as the word "text" - have *become* verbs) maybe they should use the precious spare time to figure out the Theory of Relativity so they can explain it to the rest of us idiots.

I don't see what the big deal about texting is anyway. I mean it's a PHONE, fercryinoutloud. Call 'em and TALK to 'em. Or have we forgotten how to do that to?

Ernie

!!WARNING!! !!WARNING!!
'Satire Alert....
What's the big fuss? Let 'em text their little hearts out while Ms. Jones teaches English... or history, or math, or biology. It's a skill, right? I mean, hell, I've had a cell phone now for three, four years? It still takes me thirty minutes to get a new client's number in the damn thing. So I suppose it's a skill; an art if you will to figure out how many times you have to press the "7" to get a bloomin' "r" outta the stupid thing. Or was that the six?
 I managed a couple of convenience stores back in my college days so I learned to use a 10-key (some of you who're well past puberty might remember that's what they used to call an adding machine or calculator), but who would have ever thought you could TYPE on one o' those things??
Needless to say, I'm quite impressed with some 8 yr. old who can not only type 30 words a minute but can do it on a telephone (numbered) keypad! Way t' go, Junior!
Of course, then there's the problem of actually reading what one texted. Well hell, no wonder you're bored in English class! English has absolutely NO use when it comes to texting. What good is it? So yeah, while Ms. Jones is explaining transitive and intransitive verbs and the finer points of splitting an infinitive here and there, go ahead and tell your little air-headed bff, "il b @ mall b4 u cuz im goin st8t frm skul."
I'm not sure you'll be able to make a living at it but I'm probably just old enough not to understand how the technology will advance and believe there still *is* a purpose for correct English, mathematics, history and science. Silly me.....
Trouble is, for a few more years yet I just might be the boss you're trying to get a job from!
____________________
Sarcasm mode off. We now return you to your regularly schedule insanity.
Text away...
Ernie

For the one who said children should be shown respect in order to get respected in return is an idiot & what is wrong with kids today. Children should be taught to respect others first in order to be on the recieving end. But we should ALL respect others regardless of age as how does one learn how to be respectful if nobody is teaching them. Sad fact, it's not only kids that are disrespectful today as they are learning their behavior from their parents. As far as phones in school goes.....get over it kids....you don't need it....shouldn't have it. Break the rules...lose your phone....tough luck.

Life is unfair. Kids don't have any rights. Generally speaking.

thats another thing I dont get, how is it teachers can use their cell phones during their lunch time or otherwise freetime and students cannot? That is unfair.

i'm sorry, but most of you are being extremely narrow-minded on this issue. as i have stated before, each situation is different. when i was at school i had my cell phone for 2 big reasons,
1. My dad is ill with such ailments as high blood pressure, heart problems, and just 1 yr ago, he was placed on dylisis(I'm not sure how to spell that.). As the one and only child in the family, it was neccesary for me to monitor my father's condition and make needed arrangements because my mother does not possess the emotional strength needed to do so.
2. If I needed a ride or something brought to me, then I could phone home and make the needed arrangements.
Yes some students use their phones during school hours for selfish reason but not all of them do. The idea to punish the students for actions committed by a significant few is despicable. If the steps I mentioned before are taken then this won't be a problem.

LadyinPink: It didn't happen again because I didn't allow it. It's called discipline. I simply put my foot down and said that if it happened again, he would be without- period. Rules are rules and if kids can't follow them, then they will have consequences for them.

NO one needs a phone in class. Any class. Any school. Anytime. People are just rude with cell phones. Talking loud. I don't want to hear your conversation. Big deal. You have a cell phone.
Ban them at school. Hospitals don't want you using them. If they can't turn them off, or leave them in their backpack--off. Take them away. Teachers have taken things away from kids for years.
When they get outside of the school--knock your lights out; call all your little girlfriends. Better yet go to some activity--and turn off your phone.
Too bad they are to CS to give licks with a paddle anymore either! Give them the phones back after a week or so. They don't have to keep them forever.People are raising brats.
OK--now I feel better.
Beatniks? What? Is it 1959?  Hey, Daddyo!  Crazy man, crazy.

Podunk...I think that's great. Your kid doesn't use it in class, then there's no problem. I can't imagine why a kid has one in the first place, but I suppose there are some obscure reasons. BUT for those whose parents aren't as firm as you, if they are found using them in class, then the phone should be confiscated. If the kids daddy raises hell about it, then daddy should be invited to take junior OUT of the school and enroll him in the alternative school where the other trouble makers go. It has nothing to do with being sheep. It has to do with living according to the laws of society and rules of the schools. I think some of the local traffic laws are ridiculous, but if I violate them, I'm liable to have to pay a fine. If junior violates school rules, then he's gonnna have to pay the consequences. Sheesh...cell phones for kids in school. Just another reason I'm glad I had a dog!

Please TURN THEM OFF AND KEEP THEM OFF!

I have found what I have just read very AMUSING. And it explains alot of the daily battles that we encounter as educators.
What is the purpose of a student or anyone possessing a cell phone-- for accessibility. But are they necessary?

During the school day the answer is no. Period. You need to get a hold of your child, call the school, leave a message or come up. You child needs to get ahold of you? Same thing. Stop interrupting to tell little Johnny to ride home or walk.

As a teacher, part of my job is to "enforce the rules" in the handbook that all parents receive at the beginning of the year. As a parent, you should read and go over these rules and the consequences for violations (I do that as a teacher and have those pages higlighted). If I catch Podunk's little Johnny texting away on his cell phone down the hallway, I will (a.) ask him politely to put it away or(b.) no complaince or any form of defience to said action, I will pick it up, ask him to accompany me to the office and turn it in.

Cruel? No. Illegal? No. Stop driving teachers out of the field because we tried to make your child do the right thing. Oh, by the way, if you are not going to follow the rules, please don't allow your child to be involved in any extracurricular activities (we have to follow State Rules and UIL rules and those violations cost the ENTIRE DISTRICT)

I am sure the question will arise --do I carry a cell phone? The answer is yes. It's in my purse, locked in a closet, next to my desk. I check it at lunch(with no students in my room) or after school. If it is a true emergency, my family has the school number, knows the secretary's name, and I get a message. (I never carried a cell phone on me as a teacher until 9/11 when my fellow teachers and I were almost evacuated with my students for two weeks for military reasons. Yes here in Texas).

IMO,Cell Phones should be banned at schools.When I was in high school we all did just fine without them.If a student needs to make a important call then they can go to the guidance office to do so.

A cell phone is just another class interruption that these teachers have to deal with when trying to teach there students.

Podunk...If a teacher confiscates your kids cell phone, it AIN'T stealing. Kids know the rules. If they are violating the rules and the phone is confiscated, it's their loss -- perhaps your loss if you're paying the tab. I don't have a problem with kids using them at lunch or between classes, but during class they should be off. If they are found being used during class, yeah, they should be taken from the little darlin' and stored in the office until, or unless, the parent picks it up. Strictly as a personal matter, I don't understand the need for 99 out of 100 kids even having the things. NOBODY needs to be in constant touch with anybody. Jeeze, how did we ever survive without them? The only time I was ever involved in what could be termed an emergency in school was when I had a disagreement with the band saw in woodshop and the saw won. The nurse called my mom. I really didn't need a personal phone. But, times are different now than when I was in school. They are not so different though that kids should be allowed to violate the school rules with no consequences.

we are in a new age. when wi-fi is near then personal laptops will be banned?

i say at lunch only use cell phones...(cell recess)give a little then respect is there.

older folks cant hear the high pitch ring tones or text vibrating signal.

it can be worked out. but i agree no need for it in class

imo. ima hungry..gotta go

I don't like phones cell or otherwise, and was really dead set against getting a cell phone for my kids or myself. But something happened a few years ago that changed my mind.

My son is high-functioning autistic. I would drive him to school in the mornings before going to work, but was unable to pick him up after school because I would still be at work. In order to go to a better school he had to ride public transportation to get home. We went over and over the route to prepare him for this. One day I got home from work (after 5 p.m.), and he still had not arrived home. By 10 p.m.--still not home. I had my daughter stay at home in case he called while I went out to look for him. I returned home without finding him. At approximately 11:30 p.m., the Capital Metro bus driver let him use HER cellphone to call home because she noticed he had been on the bus for quite some time and was not getting off. Her shift was about to end so she finally asked him where he was going and he said he was lost. He was disoriented because he had fell asleep on the bus, and when he woke up, it was dark and he couldn't tell where to get off to get home. Thank God for this woman! We finally got him home at about 1:30 a.m. After this happened I found it necessary to get him a cellphone. The school didn't like it but I explained what had happened and why I had to do so.

I myself don't like cellphones, but at times they are very useful in allowing my kids to get hold of me and vice-versa. However, I don't condone using them in school OR at work because they are very distracting and takes away from one's overall productivity.

Perhaps a good compromise would be to tell the kids to leave their cellphones at home or in their lockers on test days to prevent them from being confiscated. Because no matter how many times you tell a student (or coworker) to put their phone on silent, there is ALWAYS at least one who forgets to do so.

The parents had the kids and they are supposed to raise them. They go to school to learn, not play with the cell phones. Teachers need to stick to the rules and take up the phone and send it to the office for a parent to pick up. I have been to the school once to pick up a cell phone; and let me tell you, it has not happened again. Put your foot down and stop letting the kids control the adults. After a parent has made several trips to pick it up, maybe they'll wake up. If they are going to be allowed on campus; they should remain OFF. If something changes throughout the day about practice or game being cancelled, then they can use the office phone.

No sorry but not every student texts in class. Those who do text are completely disrespecting the teacher. No wonder there is a teacher shortage. I wouldn’t want to go to a job everyday and be disrespected. But ultimately the parents are to blame, because they raised these self-absorbed children who have zero respect for authority.

That is to the parents. Sorry, did not mean to sound like I was suggesting that teachers are responsible to create a man or woman out of your children.

Another “Village People” Get that tribal/Socialist crap away from our children. They are not part of a tribe. They are individuals!!!!

Turn the damn phones off. Get out of living in fear. Stop raising children and start teaching young people how to be men and women!!!!

All of this just makes me laugh. People shouldn't be so concerned about a silly cell phone being in school. They need to worry about drugs, and kids skipping school. I graduated in 07, and I do not remember one time where a student actually attempted to cheat with their cell phone. I do remember countless stories of fights, and drugs.

I especially laugh at the person who made the comment about the girl who said she texts in class will go no wheres in life. WAKE UP CALL! Every kid texts in class. I dont care who they are, they do it.

I agree cell phones should be off during school, but to ban them is a little absurd.

No contest here, students should not be allowed to even take cell phones onto school property. If they really need to get in touch with mom and dad, there's a phone at the front office of every school, use that one. My brother carried his cell phone to school everyday and why my mother allowed that, I don't know. He would send me text messages all through the day, so I'd get after him and tell him to pay attention in class! Cell phones are a huge distraction and an easy way for students to cheat on exams, and believe me, that's what they're doing. We caught one of our students cheating by taking pictures of the textbook pages on his cell phone and then scrolling through the pictures during the exam! Yeah, young people are different these days, they're a lot lazier, so they come up with schemes at the drop of a hat, anything to make life easier for them.

Obviously you have not been around students these days or young people. They are not the same as they were years ago but they do have a lot to offer the world. Things have changed and you need to get into the times. Children are really a great asset to the world and if you take the time to listen to them then they will have a lot to offer. They are not all BRATS and they need to be respected. That is all they want. You can not talk to students the way we were talked to. Maybe we should have stood up for our rights when we were young. The teacher is NOT always right and they need to take the time to listen to their students. I even have students that text message me. Some just to say HI and others to ask about an assignment. I even text them on Fri or Sat night and remind them to be careful and make good choices. One student even told me that I made her think and she went home instead of following the crowd that got in trouble. Parents can't raise children alone. It takes a village to raise children and we have to be part of that village. Society needs to wake up and appreciate the young people in this world and help them become better citizens. NO THEY are not the same as 20 or 30 years ago and they NEVER will be. Instead of critizing them you need to get to know them and help them become productive individuals. You need to face it- not every child has an ideal home life. It would be nice if they did. They did not ask to be born in this crazy world.

omg - "teachers need to respect students, then students will respect teachers" - This shows how messed-up some parents are today. And even this teacher is way OFF base. So sad !!! Bottom line... students are to respect teachers - end of story.

What an issue. I have been on both sides of the street. I am a teacher. I feel if teachers keep the students engaged in learning and their topic interesting the child will not have time to text. The teacher needs to set standards and the student should respect the teacher enough to keep the cell phone put away. The teacher needs to set the rules and abide by them. If the teacher shows the student respect and understanding then there will not be a problem. If an emergency arises then the teacher should allow the student to use his/her phone in the teacher's presence.
As a busy working parent I could not survive without my children having cell phones. I need to know what time practices are over/rained out etc. NOT ALL coaches give the students an ending time because they figure most students have phones and will call. When my child is coming in from an out of town trip she just called when they were near town and I could go get her instead of waiting for hours in the parking lot. Being a working mom I have better things to do than sit in the parking lot at all hours of the night. Teachers need to meet the students half way and the principals need to worry about worse things going on on the High School Campus such as DRUGS and teen age pregancy. I much rather my child have a cell phone than a baby or a drug addiction. YES during TAKS tests the phones should be put up! If the student does not want to give the teacher the cell phone then the TEACHER should make sure the phone is OFF in the backpack or pocket. If the phone were to go off then the test is void. A teacher should instill that in the student and again if the teacher respects the students wishes to keep his/her phone then the teacher should double check to make sure the phone is off. Teachers need to respect students and then in turn students will respect teachers.

This should not even be an issue. Cell phones are just another way for students to try and cheat. I actually know a girl who was not able to graduate because she was caught cheating on the TAKS. Who cares if the kids are not comfortable with their phones being picked up; they do not get to make the rules. If you don't want it picked up, leave at home or in the car.

This is a no brainer. It is sad that this topic is even being debated. Shows how utterly self-absorbed and disrespectful some student can be. I am embarrassed for the kids who argue to have cell phones - they have not been raised well.

From my point of view...I do not believe cell phones should be allowed in school or even at work. I have a college age student (19) who cannot get his / her work done properly because he /she cannot leave the cell phone alone long enough. It is glued to their hand...constanlty texting and making mistakes in what is being asked of him / her. I have spoke to them and warned them...and the next time I will be looking for another employee. So to all you teenagers...be leary you may not have a job by the end of the week because I might be your employee.

I believe all cell phones need to be band and/or for EMERGENCY USE ONLY. You have people that cannot fuss because they cannot afford gas...well get rid of you children's cell phone and 10,000 free minutes along with 50,000 or unlimited text and go back to the regular home phone.

A child now days does not know how to function without some computerized item in their hands. Cell phones are dangerous for teenagers that are driving (and I will point it to adult drivers also). You all are not paying attention to what you are doing and there has been to many peopled killed due to the fact that "someone" was texting or talking" on the "CELL PHONE" while driving...IT'S A SCARY WORLD OUT THERE! So please parents have a talk with you children about the use of a cell phone and adults be the role model for that child.

I'm sort of split on this issue having just graduated and seeing the VISD's point of view. Nearly every situation is different. Some students have personal issues within their household, you know what I'm talking about, a loved one being in the hospital or a death in the family. I've events such as these. There is also the issue of students leaving belonging or otherwise needed items at home such as homework, gym clothes, ect. The first situation would more or less require the student to monitor their home situation on cell phone either via txt or call. The latter would just require a simple phone call home.

I would suggest that cellphones be on silent or off and out of sight during instruction, classwork, and testing because that would be the time when the students need to either concentrate or pay attention the most. During free time it shouldn't matter. When free time is unavailable, the student should ask to be excused, go to a quiet location where they know their conversation won't disrupt a lecture or otherwise and attend to the situation at hand.

Students should not be able to use their cell phones or have them on during the school day. There is really no need. After school use is fine to contact parents for after school plans and whatnot. Phones create extra distractions in the classrooms, and students have enough distractions to deal with already.

Now, Why does anyone think a teenager needs a cell phone to begin with?
Folks say they cannot afford gasoline and food but their 6 children all have a cell phone????

Mine did not get a cell phone until they bought it themselves.

Cell phones are a hindrance to learning anything.
Tell them if they are seen or heard, they are taken away.
They should be off at all times.
They can have them, as long as they are not seen or heard in the classroom. Take them up and the school charges them a fee to get them back.