The Pennsylvania Legislature is about to pass a bill prohibiting cellphones in schools. This is another example of legislation punishing a large section of the population because of a few.
In addition to teaching the three “R’s,” schools are supposed to be developing citizens of good character. A key component of that is teaching kids to follow rules and become responsible adults.
Instead, we are passing laws taking away an instrument of value, convenience and safety. Cellphones provide needed communication between students and families, quicker response to medical emergencies and sometimes lifesaving aid. Placing phones in lockboxes limits their viabilities. Why is this being done? Because some students abuse the privilege and/or teachers don’t want to deal with a problem.
I suggest schools adopt rules for cellphone use during class time. When the rules are violated, there should be increasing consequences based upon the number of violations. This is same method used with drivers’ licenses, the justice system and government regulations. Wouldn’t cellphone rules in junior high school help students become responsible drivers? When high school students get jobs and go to college, wouldn’t they be more likely to become good citizens? If younger students see that following the rules provides them greater freedoms and responsibilities, they are more likely to follow them as they get older. Wouldn’t a program of responsible cellphone use be a great character builder?
Cellphone use should be determined by each school district. And not by some broad brush approach at the state level.
Punish those who don’t follow the rules, not every student.
Tom Cerra
Latrobe