cellphones, should bloomberg ban the use of cell phone in school? Options

[anheuser]

free free to post here my answer: of course no!


bloomberg is creating sumting stupid. well he's trying to put metal detectors in midle and highschools. he's doing this so it can prevent use from bringing yur cellphones in school well isnt that a wrong thing to do like for example if there wuz an emergency wut would happen and if wanted to call yur parent what would u call them with so ... i just need a minute of yur time and just type in yes or no and u can and maybe type in sum feed bac about wut u think about it.. thxs for all your time all cb users!

[*mipadi*]

I imagine you are talking about some law in New York City, but perhaps a little background information or some links would be helpful.

Also, I'm going to put this in Debate. It should make for an interesting topic.

[Simba]

I'd like some more info before I'll say anything...

[*This Confession*]

in schools at certain times yea..
i would ban it..
of course no one really goes by that many rules..
but ehm

i would say yes in some aspects..
and no in others

^i agree also i would like to see some info

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

EFF NO! if they do that, i'll just cut school.

Dearest Mayor Bloomberg,

Hi, how are you? So this is a letter written by one student, soon to be signed by many, letting you and the board of education know just how amazing your idea was to place metal detectors in schools. Scanning for weapons such as cell phones and ipods will definitely be effective in keeping our schools safe. I will be able to attend school knowing that I can walk through the halls without being brutally murdered with those little metal charms often seen on g-strings. Then again, the metal detectors are a random thing, so every other day that they aren't there I have to worry about someone shooting me in the face with a gun. Or, god forbid, murder with a cell phone. How dare a student bring a cell phone to school. I mean, come on, what kind of idiot gets kidnapped on their way home from school and uses a cell phone to call their parents so that they aren't killed and raped by some psycho?

People don't need cell phones for those kind of things. Duh.

Mr. Mayor, I completely agree with this idea. It's definitely an effective way to get every New York City student to hate you. I'm beginning to realize your plan of action in running our city, first get the firemen and every other union worker to hate you, and then move on to the kids. You're a sharp one. You're my role model actually, starting today I'm making everyone who enters my house go through a metal detector.
I can't trust my own mother, she owns a cell phone. And my own father owns an ipod. Satanic, I tell you. I've disowned my family for their evil ways of life. Music and communication just do not slide with me.

Then, and get ready for this, I've been hearing that students have been listening to MUSIC on IPODS? IN SCHOOL?! Outrageous. What nonsense is this, a kid listening to an ipod on his/her way to school and then placing it in his/her backpack until he/she gets out of school so that they can listen to it on their way home. Kids these days. That whole policy of "If we don't see it, we don't take it" is just a waste of time. Every child must pay.

Finally, I'd just like to give you a few ideas on how to further your "Let's protect our schools no matter how much everyone already hates me" operation. I would say making bulletproof vests, helmets, kneepads and elbowpads a requirement for school uniform would definitely keep our students safe. Or, even better, attaching pillows to the clothing of every NYC student. Shoes shouldn't be allowed either, because someone can get a serious concussion from being smacked in the head with footwear. Then again, isn't it possible for a child to rip off his/her shirt and strangle an enemy with it? Ban all clothing as well. Wait, can't someone strangle a person with their hands? We should definitely be getting rid of those too. Better yet, limbs should not be allowed in school at all.
So this is a thank you for being my hero.

Sincerely,
The World.

just something that has been circulating around myspace. i didn't write it though.
they're also planning to put in metal detectors in my school! i mean, WTF do they need it for? everyone in my school has a phone and if they just randomly decide to use the metal detectors, they'd have like 1,000 phones. and dozens of angry parents planning to sue the BOE.

i mean, a lot of people in NY go to school miles away from their homes. some people have to take the subway to school! parents give their children phones for a reason-safety. and if the BOE starts banning phones in school, then that just takes away the whole purpose!

edit:;
some links:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/27/nyregion/27schools.html
http://www.gothamgazette.com/article//20050413/6/1383
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/col/mdaly/
http://www.politicalgateway.com/news/read/9543

[juliar]

Background:

Mayor Bloomberg (and the Department of Education in general) have decided to go stricter on the school rule to not allow cellphones or ipods in school, regardless of whether or not you're using them. Metal detectors will be placed up in front of the school either all the time or just on random days (i hear different from different people). Any cellphones, ipods, mp3 players, etc. will be confiscated. Parents are ticked off because they give their kids cellphones for security reasons. Kids are ticked off because they like their cellphones and don't want to be bored to death on the bus/subway without an ipod. It hink this is more enforced on high schools though.

[Simba]

iPods being confiscated, I can understand, but cell phones? Not really.
It's for security and gives a kid something to do on the way home.

It would probably be a waste of money if it cost the school to put up metal detectors.

[Spirited Away]

Cellphones in high school should be a no-no. Try going to class and sit through a lecture with 10 different phones with 10 different ringtones going off (not at once). BIG ANNOYANCE and distraction.

It's ridiculous that kids think their world will end without cellphones in school. Yea, they have cheerleading, sports practice... blah blah... they need rides... blah blah... What did we older kids do without cellphones? We suck it up and use the office phone!

[Simba]

Cellphones in high school should be a no-no. Try going to class and sit through a lecture with 10 different phones with 10 different ringtones going off (not at once). BIG ANNOYANCE and distraction.

It's ridiculous that kids think their world will end without cellphones in school. Yea, they have cheerleading, sports practice... blah blah... they need rides... blah blah... What did we older kids do without cellphones? We suck it up and use the office phone!

I think what a lot of people meant was that kids shouldn't have cell phones on while in class, but should still be able to have a cell phone handy for before and after school.

[lalalaLANUH]

Lol My school sent out letters about this. They said it was to keep us "safe". Ironically enough, they didn't elaborate much on this point. How does this keep us safe is my question. If someone could give me a reasonable answer to that, then maybe I'd get over this whole thing.
On the other hand I hate how all the kids at my school are acting like their world has come to an end. Really they don't use their cells for emergencies. That's just their excuse to try and keep their cell phones in their pockets. I'm the one with the emergency phone because it takes me two hours to get home. They're only upset about this because they wont be able to text their friends in class.

[Simba]

Well, ok. So a lot of kids certainly do abuse any privilage to have a cell phone in school.

Cell phones can be used for emergencies. I guess we can't do anything if the owner is just plain retarded with it though.

[flc]

Of course not. At my school, we are allowed to use it before and after school, and during the day, we have to leave them in our lockers, even though, of course, I and many others don't.

It's just nice to have your own communication device instead of having to use a teacher's or waste your money using a damned payphone.

But then again I could see why they wouldn't want it, with text messaging and all. Some could give their friends answers to tests. But really, who's going to really want to spend time doing that?

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

Lol My school sent out letters about this. They said it was to keep us "safe". Ironically enough, they didn't elaborate much on this point. How does this keep us safe is my question. If someone could give me a reasonable answer to that, then maybe I'd get over this whole thing.
On the other hand I hate how all the kids at my school are acting like their world has come to an end. Really they don't use their cells for emergencies. That's just their excuse to try and keep their cell phones in their pockets. I'm the one with the emergency phone because it takes me two hours to get home. They're only upset about this because they wont be able to text their friends in class.

if they don't use their phone for emergencies, then what is it for? like just talking/texting to people at random? sure, when i'm bored i text people across the hall from me or on a different floor, but i use it for emergencies too! i got a phone in the first place 'cause i have to attend extracurricular Saturday classes in Manhattan. and i live in Queens, so i have to take the train. like sometimes i get lost so i go out and call someone to pick me up. but sometimes, afterschool, i need my phone if i go out. and if the schools don't let us bring cellphones anymore, then i can't go out anymore 'cause i always have to call my parents. and i'm gonna go to York next year, which is in Jamaica [my friends have gotten mugged there.] and if i can't bring my phone, my parents might make me transfer to the United Nations International School [UNIS].
ugh. i hate it when the BOE does things like this.

I think this is more enforced on high schools though.

they've already used metal detectors in Francis Lewis. and confiscated a lot of cellphones.

[emazing]

I think that in the few *rare* cases of an emergency, you should have a cell phone with you. However, think about the many distractions in class that both you and the teacher will experience when you're using your phone. I mean it's alright if you carry along a cell phone, and even if you use it outside of class, but all I'm trying to imply is that cell phones should not be used in class.
Metal detectors for cell phones though? Wack.

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

I think that in the few *rare* cases of an emergency, you should have a cell phone with you. However, think about the many distractions in class that both you and the teacher will experience when you're using your phone. I mean it's alright if you carry along a cell phone, and even if you use it outside of class, but all I'm trying to imply is that cell phones should not be used in class.
Metal detectors for cell phones though? Wack.

but most of the time, teachers don't even know, so there aren't many distractions. i only use my phone when i'm bored to death in double math. during lunch, no one cares. we just listen to our iPods and talk on our phones and the school aids don't even care. besides, people hardly ever use them in class. unless we're really bored.

[SarahxJoy]

I agree in questioning the intentions of how confiscating iPods and cellphones will keep students safe. Putting up metal detectors will cost the school district(?) money and what happens if a student is placed into a bad situation, and needs to make an emergency call?

I understand how not having cellphones on campus will eliminate the distractions brought up during class when a phone goes off, but that's why the teachers take the cellphones, yes? And at the end of class, the student should be able to retrieve it.

Some of you seem to be annoyed with how other students use their cellphone during inappropriate times during school hours. If you're not the one doing it, then why does it bother you? I mean, yes if a cellphone starts ringing in the middle of class, it's a nuisance, but that's why the teacher confiscates the cellphone. If not, then I'm wondering why don't they?

Another question I have, is why do they only bring up the idea of setting up metal detectors for iPods and cellphones? What happened to the possibilities of weapons bringing brought into school? Is it all such old news now, that Mr. Bloomber seems to have forgotten all about this?

Then about the iPods, I think that the "If we don't see it, we don't take it" rule really fits as a consequence for having an iPod out during class.

[LilPiggi3]

Scenario: School ends at 3 for me. Club meeting after school, for one hour. So that means i would leave school around 4. And i don't think I can use the phones from the police and office, because they don't stick around after school that long. My high school is THREE miles away from my house. I am not gonna effing suck it up and walk home from school. I CAN take the bus that goes from my shcool to home comes every half an hour. But by the time i get home, my parents will be wondering what kind of trouble I got into. <-- that is life without a cell phone. With a cell phone: call parents to pick me up. Home on time and parents don't have to worry and yell.

Plus, kids at my school don't talk on the cell phone in class if the teacher is giving a lecture. They only use the phone AFTER s/he is done. & it's mainly to text ...i don't think texting is much of a distraction to the class if everyone is having free time to work on their homework/worksheet. If your ipod earbuds are connected to your ear anytime during the lecture (with or without music) they will confinscate it from you and give it back to you after school. Problem solved. Why are stupid board administrators wasting time on getting rid cellphone/ipod. It's not a life threatening deal. yeash, save the money for healthier, tastier school lunches.

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

I agree in questioning the intentions of how confiscating iPods and cellphones will keep students safe. Putting up metal detectors will cost the school district(?) money and what happens if a student is placed into a bad situation, and needs to make an emergency call?

I understand how not having cellphones on campus will eliminate the distractions brought up during class when a phone goes off, but that's why the teachers take the cellphones, yes? And at the end of class, the student should be able to retrieve it.

Some of you seem to be annoyed with how other students use their cellphone during inappropriate times during school hours. If you're not the one doing it, then why does it bother you? I mean, yes if a cellphone starts ringing in the middle of class, it's a nuisance, but that's why the teacher confiscates the cellphone. If not, then I'm wondering why don't they?

Another question I have, is why do they only bring up the idea of setting up metal detectors for iPods and cellphones? What happened to the possibilities of weapons bringing brought into school? Is it all such old news now, that Mr. Bloomber seems to have forgotten all about this?

Then about the iPods, I think that the "If we don't see it, we don't take it" rule really fits as a consequence for having an iPod out during class.

i heard from teachers that they're planning to do that because some people were caught cheating during Standardized Tests [something i forgot to say]. but still, it would be a better idea to ban cellphones only during Standardized Testing. [but it might take too long and some students might cut.]

[Spirited Away]

I understand how not having cellphones on campus will eliminate the distractions brought up during class when a phone goes off, but that's why the teachers take the cellphones, yes? And at the end of class, the student should be able to retrieve it.

Some of you seem to be annoyed with how other students use their cellphone during inappropriate times during school hours. If you're not the one doing it, then why does it bother you? I mean, yes if a cellphone starts ringing in the middle of class, it's a nuisance, but that's why the teacher confiscates the cellphone. If not, then I'm wondering why don't they?

Day 1: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 2: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 3: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 4: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
TEST DAY: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.

And each time that happens, class is interrupted. If there is no punishment, what is taking away the phone and giving it back going to prove?

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

Day 1: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 2: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 3: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 4: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
TEST DAY: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.

And each time that happens, class is interrupted. If there is no punishment, what is taking away the phone and giving it back going to prove?

in Queens [and maybe all of NYC], the teacher just takes the cellphone and gives it to the dean who doesn't give it back to you until your parents come to pick it up.

[flc]

Day 1: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 2: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 3: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 4: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
TEST DAY: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.

And each time that happens, class is interrupted. If there is no punishment, what is taking away the phone and giving it back going to prove?

What people need to realize, though, is that there are WAY more distractions in the classroom than just cell phones. Like the "class clown." Or the teacher going off on some digression. Or a pointless fire drill. {If there's a fire in the school, you really think people are really going to keep their cool and walk outside in nice single file?}

The teacher making a scene for five minutes about a cell phone ringing is more of a distraction than the ringing in the first place, don't you think?

[*mipadi*]

The teacher making a scene for five minutes about a cell phone ringing is more of a distraction than the ringing in the first place, don't you think?

If the teacher says nothing about it, then that will only embolden students to allow their phones to ring during class, which will become a distraction.

[flc]

If the teacher says nothing about it, then that will only embolden students to allow their phones to ring during class, which will become a distraction.

Yeah, I know what you mean, but all I'm saying is that there are a LOT of other distractions in the classroom and there has always been a lot of others and it seems that the cell phone has become the scapegoat.

[SarahxJoy]

Day 1: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 2: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 3: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
Day 4: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.
TEST DAY: Cell rings, teacher picks it up and give it back at the end of the day.

And each time that happens, class is interrupted. If there is no punishment, what is taking away the phone and giving it back going to prove?

Well surely if that happens then the punishments should become more severe with each disturbance.

[flc]

Well surely if that happens then the punishments should become more severe with each disturbance.

Yeah. I've never heard of a teacher who just gives out the same minor punishments each time for the same offense, or who never gets annoyed with it.

[*mipadi*]

You're missing the point of Spirited Away's post; she was doing an analysis of one poster's suggestion for punishment. The fact that you found the obvious flaw in the sequence of events reinforces her point that the suggested punishment (taking the cell phone, then returning it at the end of the class) does not resolve the problem.

[DrNick311]

My school (Stuyvesant HS) has been one of the schools that has come under the microscope here. We've had a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in place for a while. You're warned to keep electronic devices away and turned off during the day, whether you keep it on you or in your locker. Some teachers these days will still give warnings, but for the most part, a lot of teachers will take a cell phone away if it goes off in class, no questions asked. Then, there is a three-day waiting period before the student can have the phone back (if the student wants it back earlier, a parent has to come to the school to pick it up.) That policy has been working so far (although I still see the one or two people texting in class). Many schools, such as mine, don't have the gang/violence/weapons/drug problems that a lot of the other city schools have, so we shouldn't be forced to turn our school into a prison. From what I've seen, safety and security is the number one objective for the whole random searches/scanning policy, and I fail to see the threat posed by cell phones and iPods.

[Spirited Away]

You're missing the point of Spirited Away's post; she was doing an analysis of one poster's suggestion for punishment. The fact that you found the obvious flaw in the sequence of events reinforces her point that the suggested punishment (taking the cell phone, then returning it at the end of the class) does not resolve the problem.

Yea, that's it.

Michael, it's not fair that you make more sense than I do... Grrr.

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

Well surely if that happens then the punishments should become more severe with each disturbance.

in NY, where the taking away of the cellphones thing is actually occuring, the punishments aren't that ineffective. sometimes, the Dean just never gives back the cellphones. but most of the time, you get it back only when your parents go to school to get it, meaning that you'd have a really, really long lecture about not taking your cellphone to school or a lecture about keeping it off and on silent/vibrate.

[Comptine]

I got to Stuyvesant with DrNick (except I don't know him) and I think this is a vast waste amount of time and money.

first of all, i agree with everyone that cellphones that are on are a complete distraction. students in my school like to play scratchy music on it and it really distracts you when you want quiet during a free period. however, cellphones aren't the ONLY distraction. Spirited Away made a good point that older generations made it fine through school without cellphones by using office phones. but, when you have to deal with the new york city metro system and the unpredictability of the city, i desperately need a cellphone. on several occasions, i had to abandon the subway completely and walk home. i need to at least let my parents know that.

and in case of an emergency, you cannot have all 3000+ students of my school waiting for the office phones.

also, these metal detectors will be random (at least at my school). the metal detectors they'll using are portable but enormous. what a waste of time and money to just set it up on random days.

i can understand for weapons and drugs. i fully support that. however, it's going to slow things down. and also, things like ipods and cellphones. they might be distractions but they mean no harm.

btw, doesn't nyc have like a huge defecit? where is the money coming from?

[Spirited Away]

[font=Arial][size=1]Spirited Away made a good point that older generations made it fine through school without cellphones by using office phones. but, when you have to deal with the new york city metro system and the unpredictability of the city, i desperately need a cellphone. on several occasions, i had to abandon the subway completely and walk home. i need to at least let my parents know that.

and in case of an emergency, you cannot have all 3000+ students of my school waiting for the office phones.

How often do these emergencies occur? Then again, if you're suggesting that to have cell phones in case of emergencies is "better safe than sorry", I whole-heartedly agree. However, how many kids out of that 3000 would only use their cell phones in case of emergencies? And aren't school officials trained for such emergencies? Don't they have cell phones?

Per your problems with the subway... don't they have public phones? If you'd really need to call home on the occasions that you have to walk home, wouldn't public phones work just fine? I was in Manhattan last summer and I recall seeing phones in the stations.

Sorry to be so staunch about this, but I'm one of those kids who rode the bus all four years of high school, who stayed for the late bus often enough, and who sometimes miss the late bus and had to call home with the office phone. Of course, I do not mean to make light of your situation because everyone knows NYC is that much more complicated than Houston (my town), but I feel that whatever the case, cell phones aren't necessities, they're conveniences that everyone assumes to be necessary.

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

How often do these emergencies occur? Then again, if you're suggesting that to have cell phones in case of emergencies is "better safe than sorry", I whole-heartedly agree. However, how many kids out of that 3000 would only use their cell phones in case of emergencies? And aren't school officials trained for such emergencies? Don't they have cell phones?

Per your problems with the subway... don't they have public phones? If you'd really need to call home on the occasions that you have to walk home, wouldn't public phones work just fine? I was in Manhattan last summer and I recall seeing phones in the stations.

Sorry to be so staunch about this, but I'm one of those kids who rode the bus all four years of high school, who stayed for the late bus often enough, and who sometimes miss the late bus and had to call home with the office phone. Of course, I do not mean to make light of your situation because everyone knows NYC is that much more complicated than Houston (my town), but I feel that whatever the case, cell phones aren't necessities, they're conveniences that everyone assumes to be necessary.

i've seen many pay phones at train stops that were cut off the cord thingy.

and what about the people who go to school in Manhattan? say what if the UN or Chrysler Tower goes down. what would they do?
my sister used to go to school at Stuy and when the Twin Towers went down, they had to evacuate the building immediately, so she couldn't use a phone. [she didn't have a phone of her own at that time.] she ended up walking across the Queens Bridge with her friends, who also don't have cell phones, to Eastern Queens, which is about 10 miles or more miles away from the city.

sometimes in extreme emergencies, they are necessary. and i agree with you, those types of emergencies don't occur often, but after 9/11, parents seem think that cell phones are necessary. they're just scared that something like 9/11 might happen again.

[*Ox_Su`Zie*]

free free to post here my answer: of course no!
bloomberg is creating sumting stupid. well he's trying to put metal detectors in midle and highschools. he's doing this so it can prevent use from bringing yur cellphones in school well isnt that a wrong thing to do like for example if there wuz an emergency wut would happen and if wanted to call yur parent what would u call them with so ... i just need a minute of yur time and jsut type in yes or no and u can and maybe type in sum feed bac about wut u think about it.. thxs for all your time all cb users!

We have something called a "signal dropper" its this stpid little box that drops the signal all over school campus and i think its retarded. I HATE it... LMAO a bunch of friends are getting the little stick on antennas you but inside your phone behind the battery. That mskes em work even with the dropper thingy.

[-sincerely]

I think they should keep cell phones in schools. If a few students are not responsible enough to not use it during class, take their phones away, not the whole student body's. Some emergency may happen when you would really need that cell phone. The student should be responsible about using it and not abuse the priveledge.

[Chii]

My classmates and I attend school at 4pm until 9pm. Many of us work and go directly to school after work. The school we use during its after hours is a scanning school so all the electronics (except calculators) are taken away. We need cell phones for work, to call if we're late or if something came up or whatever. It's very time consuming to run home, drop off the cell and go to school. I can't accomplish that because I'd end up half an hour late.

Plus, I have a restraining order against my ex boyfriend. What am I going to do when I see him? Throw the restraining order at him? Run to a pay phone where he'll catch up with me before I find a quarter or before I find the number of the detective?

For me, the iPod restriction is annoying. My commute to work takes about an hour or more and the trains are packed in the morning so what am I supposed to do to amuse myself? Stare at the wall and get even more tired (which is what I do now)? But I can live without it. I need my cell phone for protection.

[*This Confession*]

i wouldn't do that at all.
when i was in public school
i always had a cell phone.
Also i seem to be really sarcastic
and if something happens with a teacher
just because i said something
also a lot of teachers didn't like me
when i never said anything
im a really quiet person
so i use to sit in the back corner and just do my work
and i would get in trouble randomly.
so if i ever got sent to the office or something stupid
my mom always told me to call her.
hah or if i just wanted to leave school randomly because i got mad at someone
to just call her

also emergencies
what if you saw something that no one else did
and something bad was going to happen
then i would think you need to call someone.

I don't agree though with people that like text during class though
or play games or something
thats the only reason i see for them to actually do that

[demolished]

Pathetic. Lack of moral, and senses. Or maybe adults are just too old.

School is wasting money.
School/staff are not trying hard enough to enforce student to abide the rules and to maintain the privileges. Old adults viewed cell phones and ipods in a negative way.

Hey, i dont even have cell phones or an ipod ... and i'm supporting it. lame, isnt it?

[Spirited Away]

i've seen many pay phones at train stops that were cut off the cord thingy.

Right, and there are no working public phones in Manhattan subways. Why do I find that hard to believe?

and what about the people who go to school in Manhattan? say what if the UN or Chrysler Tower goes down. what would they do?

I've answered that already.

my sister used to go to school at Stuy and when the Twin Towers went down, they had to evacuate the building immediately, so she couldn't use a phone. [she didn't have a phone of her own at that time.] she ended up walking across the Queens Bridge with her friends, who also don't have cell phones, to Eastern Queens, which is about 10 miles or more miles away from the city.

... They couldn't find a phone? They couldn't went in a restaurant, or ANY business to plea for use of a phone? In that kind of emergency... and they couldn't, for the life of them, find a phone? Are you effing kidding me? I've been to NYC and I know people can be mean at times, but during that calamity and your sister couldn't get a sympathetic soul to lend a phone?

sometimes in extreme emergencies, they are necessary. and i agree with you, those types of emergencies don't occur often, but after 9/11, parents seem think that cell phones are necessary. they're just scared that something like 9/11 might happen again.

Yes, in extreme emergencies, they are a great convenience, and again, it is better to be safe than sorry. However, in those emergencies, do you have any idea how much more worst off it is for so many people to be calling around? On the day that Hurrican Rita was supposed to hit Houston, it took me TWO HOURS to get a clear line to call my family and friends because the network was busy. I tried my home phone as well as my cell phone. So in an emergency like 9-11, real emergency calls may not be able to get through because non-emergency users would be jamming the networks.

[*mipadi*]

Yes, in extreme emergencies, they are a great convenience, and again, it is better to be safe than sorry. However, in those emergencies, do you have any idea how much more worst off it is for so many people to be calling around? On the day that Hurrican Rita was supposed to hit Houston, it took me TWO HOURS to get a clear line to call my family and friends because the network was busy. I tried my home phone as well as my cell phone. So in an emergency like 9-11, real emergency calls may not be able to get through because non-emergency users would be jamming the networks.

That's a really good point. I remember that during 9/11, it was almost impossible to call in or out of Manhattan, because so many people were using the phone system (and the collapse of the WTC had taken out a lot of landlines). Each single cell phone cell is capable of supporting a finite number of calls, and can easily become overloaded in an emergency. There's a good chance that, should something like 9/11 happen again, it wouldn't even be possible to place a cell phone call (or not conveniently, at any rate).

If parents are so concerned about the welfare of their children, they should emphasize an emergency plan, rather than relying on cell phone communication.

[Crich323]

I think cell phones are good to have just in case. If my mom forgets to pick me up from school it's helpful to have a phone at hand. (That happened to me one time and the schools payphones were broken)

But if a world thing happened like 9/11 that's another story.
Gosh, this topic gave me a dream last night where I couldn't contact the police because I didn't have service.

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

Right, and there are no working public phones in Manhattan subways. Why do I find that hard to believe?

... They couldn't find a phone? They couldn't went in a restaurant, or ANY business to plea for use of a phone? In that kind of emergency... and they couldn't, for the life of them, find a phone? Are you effing kidding me? I've been to NYC and I know people can be mean at times, but during that calamity and your sister couldn't get a sympathetic soul to lend a phone?
Yes, in extreme emergencies, they are a great convenience, and again, it is better to be safe than sorry. However, in those emergencies, do you have any idea how much more worst off it is for so many people to be calling around? On the day that Hurrican Rita was supposed to hit Houston, it took me TWO HOURS to get a clear line to call my family and friends because the network was busy. I tried my home phone as well as my cell phone. So in an emergency like 9-11, real emergency calls may not be able to get through because non-emergency users would be jamming the networks.

the train is crap. trust me. it normally smells of hobos, rotting soda bottles, garbage and most of all, piss. i've seen a few working, but a lot are cut off. and what if someone on the train is out to get you? what do you do? run to the nearest payphone and hope that s/he doesn't find you? when i was little, i used to think that the payphones were for killing people.

and besides, people were too busy running in terror. even the restaurant owners, business owners, ect. i mean, who wants to be the next to die? everyone was scared to death, watching people jumping out of buildings, body parts all over the place [that's how my sister described it to me.] my sister came home crying her eyes out.

you may have been to the city before, but i bet you've never been to western Queens or LIC. my sister walked across the bridge into LIC, a bad neighborhood. the train stop may seem nice and all, but that's 'cause they redid it a while back. (my friend almost got jumped there.) LICs crime rate is pretty high too (compared to some parts of Manhattan and eastern Queens). people aren't really that friendly there.

and yes, cell phone lines can get extremely crowded. especially T-Mobile around here. and most of the phone lines in the city were down.

I remember that during 9/11, it was almost impossible to call in or out of Manhattan, because so many people were using the phone system (and the collapse of the WTC had taken out a lot of landlines).

exactly what i was about to say.

[*mipadi*]

exactly what i was about to say.

You took a tiny snippet of my quote out of context in such a way that it seems to support your argument. I'd like to point out that it really doesn't.

[*Uronacid*]

look guys, i think that you should just keep your cell on viberate... if you did that, it wouldnt't interrupt class, and you could sneak a peak if you wanted to see who called... ;) the only reason they are getting banned is becuase stupid kids are iterrupting class with them... stupid kids... sheesh...

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

look guys, i think that you should just keep your cell on viberate... if you did that, it wouldnt't interrupt class, and you could sneak a peak if you wanted to see who called... ;) the only reason they are getting banned is becuase stupid kids are iterrupting class with them... stupid kids... sheesh...

that's not the whole reason. don't assume. gosh, people these days...
anywaysss... it's not only cell phones, it's iPods/MP3 players/beepers too. it's mostly because electronics get stolen a lot in school and the parents are complaining and stuff. also because kids cheat on City/Statewides (standardized tests) with phones.
besides, we almost always keep our phones on silent. only those few days when we're running late and forget to silence it.

[Spirited Away]

the train is crap. trust me. it normally smells of hobos, rotting soda bottles, garbage and most of all, piss. i've seen a few working, but a lot are cut off. and what if someone on the train is out to get you? what do you do? run to the nearest payphone and hope that s/he doesn't find you? when i was little, i used to think that the payphones were for killing people.

... Er, I've been on the trains; they aren't that bad, but losers can't be choosers. HISD (Houston Independent School District) school buses aren't great either, but I rode on them, too. But honey, with OR without cellphones people get raped, mugged, and killed. Having a cell doesn't lower your chances. In fact, in articles by Cosmo magazine AND others, it is said that women make themselves an easy target for attacks when they're chatting on cellphones instead of paying attention to their surroundings when walking. If you have statistics to contradict this in order to support your statement, I'd like to see it.

If someone is after you on the train, are you the only other person on the train? If you are, why are you riding the train that late or at times that you KNOW danger lurks? Kids shouldn't be out by themselves during those times. Or at least, smart kids shouldn't. If you don't have a choice, then find other people to stand with as soon as you get on the train. You don't get signal until you get out of the subway anyway. If someone attacks you and your signal is out... the best thing your cell can do for you is as something to throw at 'em.

and besides, people were too busy running in terror. even the restaurant owners, business owners, ect. i mean, who wants to be the next to die? everyone was scared to death, watching people jumping out of buildings, body parts all over the place [that's how my sister described it to me.] my sister came home crying her eyes out.

... yes, people were scared, I have no doubt of this. However, in those times, people band together. They were scared, but someone could have understand your sister's situation. I just think that it's stupid that a group of girls can't ask to use a phone. Did they even think to ask? I doubt it.

you may have been to the city before, but i bet you've never been to western Queens or LIC. my sister walked across the bridge into LIC, a bad neighborhood. the train stop may seem nice and all, but that's 'cause they redid it a while back. (my friend almost got jumped there.) LICs crime rate is pretty high too (compared to some parts of Manhattan and eastern Queens). people aren't really that friendly there.

People aren't friendly. Agreed. But are you saying that having cell phones will make you safer?

and yes, cell phone lines can get extremely crowded. especially T-Mobile around here. and most of the phone lines in the city were down.
exactly what i was about to say.

That is a point brought up by Micheal and I yet you agree, though it contradicts your argument? What? So you agree with me or you don't? If you do, then why the hell are we wasting our time?

[medic]

I really dont have a problem with it, but when you say someone can not do it, they will do it. Here is how it works at our school

First Time: Taken away and you get it back at the end of that class period.

Second Time: Taken away and you get it back at the end of school.

Third Time: Taken away and parents are called to come get it.

Fourth Time: They keep it for a while. By a while I mean 3 or more days.

The problem with the fourth offense is that kids have actually sued the school, and open police reports of the school stealing cell phones.

According to local lawyers, we can use our cell phone whenever we want. It does not matter if you are in class or not. It is illegal to deny anyone phone use, in any kind of situation. No matter it be a emergency or not. But, the idea that you cell phone can get taken away keeps kids from doing it. I have gotten too the fourth problem and filed a report with the police. I feel that taking it away and keeping it is ok until the end of the day. But for over the night, or over an period of days is completely wrong.

Then putting up cell phone jammers will not do anything at all as well. That will create a HUGE problem with the cell phone companies and that is something schools can not deal with.

In the end, the students wins. No matter what the school district or teacher does.

[demolished]

Having a cell doesn't lower your chances. In fact, in articles by Cosmo magazine AND others, it is said that women make themselves an easy target for attacks when they're chatting on cellphones instead of paying attention to their surroundings when walking.

That's true. Alot of my female friends are so addicted to talking on the phone. At the end, they end up being sad because they used countless of minutes from just walking on the sidewalks. sad stuff. they have no pepper spray, no tons of keys, no hidden knifes, and nothing to protect themselves.

however, most of them walked with someone else. does that really increase their safetly too?

[magnificentmike]

Well how they do it at my school is during before school, passing periods, lunch time, and after school is when we can have cell phones out, but not during class because everyone could like text message each other answers on test and quizzes and such. & it doesn't seem to be a problem, so I think that's just what they should do at every school.

[illumineering]

I can't believe that so many of you who feel that living in NYC is potentially violent and in the same post are complaining about the use of metal detectors in schools. Along with finding cell phones and ipods, they identify weapons! Metal detectors are a far greater deterrant to crime than using a phone to tell someone you are being mugged.

In a post Columbine and 9/11 world, not addressing policies and procedures that can effect a more orderly and safe school environment is not only careless, it is downright negligent.

[anheuser]

EFF NO! if they do that, i'll just cut school.
just something that has been circulating around myspace. i didn't write it though.
they're also planning to put in metal detectors in my school! i mean, WTF do they need it for? everyone in my school has a phone and if they just randomly decide to use the metal detectors, they'd have like 1,000 phones. and dozens of angry parents planning to sue the BOE.

i mean, a lot of people in NY go to school miles away from their homes. some people have to take the subway to school! parents give their children phones for a reason-safety. and if the BOE starts banning phones in school, then that just takes away the whole purpose!

edit:;
some links:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/27/nyregion/27schools.html
http://www.gothamgazette.com/article//20050413/6/1383
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/col/mdaly/
http://www.politicalgateway.com/news/read/9543

hello fellow createbloggers! thank you for all your opinions in this forum. keep up with the news and keep posting lol thanks

.. now wut should i post about now?? any sugesstions?

[doork]

Cellphones in high school should be a no-no. Try going to class and sit through a lecture with 10 different phones with 10 different ringtones going off (not at once). BIG ANNOYANCE and distraction.

It's ridiculous that kids think their world will end without cellphones in school. Yea, they have cheerleading, sports practice... blah blah... they need rides... blah blah... What did we older kids do without cellphones? We suck it up and use the office phone!

Thats why theres a silent mode?

Not all kids thinks their world will end without their cellphones.
And plus, if we have a cellphone why not use it? I know forsure the school doesnt want 100-1000 kids to stand in line waiting to use the office phones.

Well how they do it at my school is during before school, passing periods, lunch time, and after school is when we can have cell phones out, but not during class because everyone could like text message each other answers on test and quizzes and such. & it doesn't seem to be a problem, so I think that's just what they should do at every school.

Thats how they do it at my school too.. and it isn`t THAT much of a problem either..

[alysaphobia]

i think the whole metal detectors, iPod+cellphone banning thing is going a little bit overboard. if classroom enviornment disturbance is the issue, kids should be made to turn their phones/iPods off or be made to turn it in to the teacher if it goes off during class.


what if someone got hurt and people needed to call for ambulance? or if their parents desperately need to call them because an emergency happened @ home, e.g somebody got hurt, the mom is giving birth.

on the flip side, metal detectors can be a wise installment not for the getting rid of cellphones/iPods part but for preventing school violence involving knives, guns, etc.

[Spirited Away]

Thats why theres a silent mode?

Not all kids thinks their world will end without their cellphones.
And plus, if we have a cellphone why not use it? I know forsure the school doesnt want 100-1000 kids to stand in line waiting to use the office phones.
Thats how they do it at my school too.. and it isn`t THAT much of a problem either..

Excuse me, but I hope you don't think I'm new to the whole cell phone business. I've been attending college for the last 4 years where the use of cell phones is as routine as blinking. It is also where the Silent Mode is forgotten HALF the time. In fact, mine has gone off in class no less than three times last semester on accident. You may think, three times is nothing, but imagine a room from 20-250 people with cells that would ring on average of three times each semester. That drives our professors nutty, and I don't blame them. Yesterday, my friend's phone rang in our class of 16 folks while we're in conference mode for project approval. That was not only embarrassing, but totally disruptive and she knows it.

You may want to read previous posts, please, before getting " " with me. There have been people in this very thread that said they're unsure of what to do in an emergency without cellphones, which in my mind is the most ridiculous, and at the same time frightful way of thinking.

Now then, I've also said that I've used the bus all four years of high school; that's both the regular and the late bus, mind you. I depended on the office phone a lot, but I have never, ever seen 100-1000 kids use the office phone. Even when there was really bad weather there were about 7-11 of kids in the office. This is a nonsensical assumption. Please think of a realistic scenerio.

Oh, and I love that "we have cell phones so why not use them [in school]" bit. I have 2 MP3 players, why not use them [in school]? I can watch movies on my laptop, why not watch movies [in class]? Yea? Oh, oh, my sophomore cousin just got one of those small DVD players, why not let him watch anime [in school]? One of my project partners has porn on his laptop, why not watch it in class?

I hope you see where the logic of "I have it, so I can use it" fail.

i think the whole metal detectors, iPod+cellphone banning thing is going a little bit overboard. if classroom enviornment disturbance is the issue, kids should be made to turn their phones/iPods off or be made to turn it in to the teacher if it goes off during class.
what if someone got hurt and people needed to call for ambulance? or if their parents desperately need to call them because an emergency happened @ home, e.g somebody got hurt, the mom is giving birth.

on the flip side, metal detectors can be a wise installment not for the getting rid of cellphones/iPods part but for preventing school violence involving knives, guns, etc.

I thought I already cover the "what if's" pretty extensively already. You kids sure lack faith in your school's authority figures, I don't see why though as they are more trained to handle emergencies than most students can ever be. Somebody got hurt at home, shouldn't they call another adult instead of a kid? Also, my Mom has passed a message to me at school before. Guess how she did it? She dialled the school's number on wired phone and spoke to the operator. Bam, next period I got a note. Oh, and my Mom doesn't even speak English that well.

... people, it doesn't take a rocket scientist, just common sense. Tell me you kids still have common sense.

[*I Shot JFK*]

^ yes. i have common sense.

I also have a cell phone, and will continue to use it whether they are banned or not.

Therefore, i have no opinion on this matter.

[alysaphobia]

Excuse me, but I hope you don't think I'm new to the whole cell phone business. I've been attending college for the last 4 years where the use of cell phones is as routine as blinking. It is also where the Silent Mode is forgotten HALF the time. In fact, mine has gone off in class no less than three times last semester on accident. You may think, three times is nothing, but imagine a room from 20-250 people with cells that would ring on average of three times each semester. That drives our professors nutty, and I don't blame them. Yesterday, my friend's phone rang in our class of 16 folks while we're in conference mode for project approval. That was not only embarrassing, but totally disruptive and she knows it.

if people have common sense at all, it's pretty easy enough to press a few buttons and get the phone on silent mode, yeah?

[Spirited Away]

if people have common sense at all, it's pretty easy enough to press a few buttons and get the phone on silent mode, yeah?

...

How is it that you can't read the words "forgotten" and "accident" even when one of them is bolded? But hey, if you think common sense is the same thing as accidents and forgetfulness... more power to you, I suppose . I would suggest you learn what common sense really means though.

And James, you're a rebel. I know it. The world knows it, too. We could careless what you do.

[*I Shot JFK*]

^ HEY! i will have you know that i am CENTRAL to the world.

*sulky face*

the point is, cell phones are useful. as such i want my cell phone.

[Spirited Away]

the point is, cell phones are useful. as such i want my cell phone.

Yes, cells are useful as they are a convenience, but the point I've been making is that they are not necessary as people have argued in this thread.

And yes, we are rather James-centric.

[*I Shot JFK*]

perhaps not, but banning them in schools isnt the answer... just INSIST on silence mode, and confiscate in case of accident, it ought to make people remember.

but if it wasnt for me, what would the world revolve around? huh? i mean, it would be all askew

[Spirited Away]

banning them is the answer. why wouldn't it be? my professors have rules like making the person leave if their cell goes off, but cells still go off. nowdays i keep my phone on silent all the time.

the sun does not shine as bright as you.

[*mipadi*]

perhaps not, but banning them in schools isnt the answer... just INSIST on silence mode, and confiscate in case of accident, it ought to make people remember.

but if it wasnt for me, what would the world revolve around? huh? i mean, it would be all askew

I'm guessing that they didn't jump right to a cell phone ban. I'm sure kids were told to put their phones on silent, and just didn't listen. At any rate, if kids did use common sense and put their phones on silent, it wouldn't be a problem. But they don't, because they simply don't care, and banning cell phones is a lot easier than checking each phone to make sure it is on silent.

Cell phones are fine—if kids are mature and responsible with them. But often times they aren't.

[sadolakced acid]

i'll be honest.

i don't really need my cell phone in school.

i didn't have one in middle school, and i'd often get stuck at school without a ride. the office just closed down after school- there was no one there.

now, however, i drive, and i don't need to call for rides.

but it is nice to know that if i get in a crash i can call my dad.

it is nice to be able to call my friends afterschool to find them if i need to meet them for something.

i don't text. i don't really use my phone that much in school. but it doesn't disrupt anyone. i have it with me, sure, but it's on silent.

i have never found cell phones distracting in school. sure, if they ring in class, they get taken up, and a parent has to go get it. but that rarely happens.


anyways, michael. cell phones were banned in the 90s as 'drug paraphanelia', because drug dealers would use them to make deals during school.

the ban just was never repealed. it's quite stupid really.

[*mipadi*]

anyways, michael. cell phones were banned in the 90s as 'drug paraphanelia', because drug dealers would use them to make deals during school.

the ban just was never repealed. it's quite stupid really.

Source?

Because, honestly, I'm skeptical that's the sole reason they are banned now.

[Spirited Away]

You may not find a burst of "It's getting hot in here" bothersome, Justin, but another student might. Even if students don't mind the ringing, teachers will. It is, by definition, disruptive.

[alysaphobia]

...

How is it that you can't read the words "forgotten" and "accident" even when one of them is bolded? But hey, if you think common sense is the same thing as accidents and forgetfulness... more power to you, I suppose . I would suggest you learn what common sense really means though.

It's actually quite simple to turn a phone into silent mode, and I assume if you're capable enough to get into college, you should be able to do it by yourself.


Even middle schoolers remember to put their phone on silent as they enter class. I'm just thinking it might be a bit sad if by the time you get to college, "forgetting"/"accidents" still occur enough to disrupt the class.

[*I Shot JFK*]

yes, it may be disruptive for 10 seconds while i yank the cell phone out of my pocket and hang it up, but it's worth it for the useful aspects.

cell phones are permitted at my school, and we dont have a problem. *shrugs*

[Spirited Away]

It's actually quite simple to turn a phone into silent mode, and I assume if you're capable enough to get into college, you should be able to do it by yourself.
Even middle schoolers remember to put their phone on silent as they enter class. I'm just thinking it might be a bit sad if by the time you get to college, "forgetting"/"accidents" still occur enough to disrupt the class.

Yes, we college folks are rather forgetful, after all, we only have more responsibilities than the groups that you're comparing us to. It's alright if you don't know the differences between college, high school, and middle school yet, but I expect you'd understand oneday, hopefully.

Haha, middle schoolers "remember" to put their phones on silent. Do you have stats or something prove that those kids have never gotten their phones taken away due to it ringing in class or disrupt class? I'd like to see it. This debate wouldn't be a debate at all if you kids actually know/"remember" to put it on silent. The fact is you all don't, and you forgot the bit that instigated this whole controversy, didn't you.

Hey, at least I'm honest about my world and my peers . If only you can do the same.


Oh, I forgot about you, James. I have a funny story for you, but you may consider it hearsay. The first day of my Service Management class my professor took 30 minutes telling us why phones must be turned off during presentations... She said just last semester, one girl forgot to turn her phone off and didn't turn it on silent either. Guess what? It went off during her presentation and she couldn't get to it until she finished.

Yes. It happens.

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

I've had a phone for 3 years now. My phone rang during class only ONCE.
It didn't get taken away.

When my classmates' phones go off in class, they usually don't get it taken away either.
It's only sometimes that phones get taken away.

[Spirited Away]

I've had a phone for 3 years now. My phone rang during class only ONCE.
It didn't get taken away.

When my classmates' phones go off in class, they usually don't get it taken away either.
It's only sometimes that phones get taken away.

Thank you for proving that kids actually don't remember to put their phones on silent.

Your teachers are pretty lenient. Though, taking phones away after the first accident is a little mean. What does your teachers do to repeated offenders?

[think!IMAGINARIL...]

Well, if the kid is a really bad student or just annoying, the teacher takes it away.
And if someone's phone goes off in class, they usually get it taken away be parents, so there are usually are no repeated offences.

[Spirited Away]

Oh, thank you for being honest as well.

Well, if it gets taken away by the parents, then isn't it the same thing as not having cell phones or having cell phone bans?

[alysaphobia]

Haha, middle schoolers "remember" to put their phones on silent. Do you have stats or something prove that those kids have never gotten their phones taken away due to it ringing in class or disrupt class? I'd like to see it. This debate wouldn't be a debate at all if you kids actually know/"remember" to put it on silent. The fact is you all don't, and you forgot the bit that instigated this whole controversy, didn't you.

Actually, "remember" should be unquoted there because people really do remember to keep their phones on silent. I'm in high school now, and we've been in school for a month; out of all 8 classes I have, only one person's phone has gone off during any of my classes once. Nobody's phone has ever gotten taken away yet. It's a pretty isolated issue here. I guess if we can keep our phones from disrupting class more effectively, "us kids" must have some common sense after all. Hmm.

So you use college as the reason why you guys can't remember to turn your phones on silent. Are you the type of person who's phone goes off during the middle of a movie in the theatre too? Personally I think when you grow older, you should get more responsible too, and pressing a few buttons to get a phone to switch to silent mode isn't that big a challenge anyways.

[Spirited Away]

Actually, "remember" should be unquoted there because people really do remember to keep their phones on silent. I'm in high school now, and we've been in school for a month; out of all 8 classes I have, only one person's phone has gone off during any of my classes once. It's a pretty isolated issue here.

So you use college as the reason why you guys can't remember to turn your phones on silent. Are you the type of person who's phone goes off during the middle of a movie in the theatre too? Personally I think when you grow older, you should get more responsible too, and pressing a few buttons to get a phone to switch to silent mode isn't that big a challenge anyways.

There's another person above you who proved otherwise (rawr SOCK), that kids don't remember at times. Your school's "isolated" problem doesn't account for all.

No, I don't use college as the reason why we forget, just that we forget and that because of our forgetfulness, phones DO go off in class. I told you, or someone, that my phone is now on silent all the time, but yes, my phone went off in the middle of the movies before, so have many others. And again, I'm simply being honest.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but when you grow older, you are still prone to forgetfulness. That stuff just doesn't go away. Being forgetful and doing things on accident sometimes doesn't equate to irresponsibility. Where do you get that? Also, you do realize that adults phone go on in the theatres, too, right? Your faith in adults being able shed forgetfulness is commendable... but naive.

I guess if we can keep our phones from disrupting class more effectively, "us kids" must have some common sense after all. Hmm.

You edited, so I'm editing. "Common sense" was not to tickle your hostile bone. It was to stress that the world is not going to end when there's an emergency and kids don't have a cell phone. Common sense and a little work can solve problems just as effectively. Please don't read/quote me out of context to be spiteful.
And as for kids being able keep their phones from disrupting class, again, some honest kids just proved otherwise.

[*I Shot JFK*]

Fae, am i missing the point if the story made me laugh?

Lol. to be fair, i forgot to put my phone on silent while i was chairing a debate once. REALLY embarrassing, but i apologize, awarded the speaker extra time, and since then it hasnt happened again.

and, for the record, they would have lost anyway, as they had REALLY bad time management skills.

[Spirited Away]

... no, I guess. I'm uber happy that you found my shoddy sarcasm funny though.

I'm sure everyone apologizes. The point is that it's disruptive. In high school (and middle school and elementary school, too, in case someone is technical enough to correct me), disruptive things are restricted or banned aren't they? So, it makes perfect sense to me that the same happens to cell phones. I don't care much for banning the use of cell phones, but, at the very least, there must be serious restrictions. So serious, that it's enough to disuade that group's general population from carrying one.

[*yrrnotelekktric*]

i dont think they should be banned i just dont think they should be allowed to be used during class, not even texting. But I think that having one with you (turned on/off) is not bad.

[sadolakced acid]

Source?

Because, honestly, I'm skeptical that's the sole reason they are banned now.

that is the reason they were originally banned, at least in my school district. reasons for the ban were removed from the rule, but wihtout a period to see if kids could handle having cell phones. i'm disinclined to pull up the specifics on it, but a search for cell phones + drug paraphanelia will give you some results.

it was assumed that only drug dealers would have cell phones or beepers, and that's why they were banned. being caught with one in school meant a drug paraphanelia charge.

there was never a period after these bans that cell phones were allowed. there was no trial period- cell phones, for the most of their existance, have been banned in schools. at least, the school's i've gone to.

[eltriksodapop]

Cellphones in high school should be a no-no. Try going to class and sit through a lecture with 10 different phones with 10 different ringtones going off (not at once). BIG ANNOYANCE and distraction.

It's ridiculous that kids think their world will end without cellphones in school. Yea, they have cheerleading, sports practice... blah blah... they need rides... blah blah... What did we older kids do without cellphones? We suck it up and use the office phone!

im guessing you dont have a phone..haha..hating ace..anyways ever hear of silent..some schools [ mine for example ] dont allow kids to use the office phone useless sick..and office is closed after practice..so therefore cellphone useful

[alysaphobia]

im guessing you dont have a phone..haha..hating ace..anyways ever hear of silent..some schools [ mine for example ] dont allow kids to use the office phone useless sick..and office is closed after practice..so therefore cellphone useful

agreed.

[Spirited Away]

im guessing you dont have a phone..haha..hating ace..anyways ever hear of silent..some schools [ mine for example ] dont allow kids to use the office phone useless sick..and office is closed after practice..so therefore cellphone useful

Then you both made a stupid guess. And &/degradanca, I thought we already went through this already. Read my whole argument before posting. This whole "silent mode" business got old, y'all.

I somehow doubt that your school office will refuse students borrowing phones. The school would have hell with the PTA. So, office is closed after practice, ever heard of pay phones? Oh wait, you kids are too cool, sooo much better than the rest of society to be caught using a pay phone, right? What if the hottest guy in school saw you using the pay phone!?!?!? AHHHH. The world will end right then and there! Then again, if you must call home every time after practice to get a ride, then the problem isn't getting a cell phone, kids, you all should be setting your parents straight for neglecting their children.

That, or get a friend.

Stupid/lazy parents is one problem, stupid/spoiled children is another.

I'll even do the work of re-posting my arguments. Have fun refuting.

Excuse me, but I hope you don't think I'm new to the whole cell phone business. I've been attending college for the last 4 years where the use of cell phones is as routine as blinking. It is also where the Silent Mode is forgotten HALF the time. In fact, mine has gone off in class no less than three times last semester on accident. You may think, three times is nothing, but imagine a room from 20-250 people with cells that would ring on average of three times each semester. That drives our professors nutty, and I don't blame them. Yesterday, my friend's phone rang in our class of 16 folks while we're in conference mode for project approval. That was not only embarrassing, but totally disruptive and she knows it.

You may want to read previous posts, please, before getting " " with me. There have been people in this very thread that said they're unsure of what to do in an emergency without cellphones, which in my mind is the most ridiculous, and at the same time frightful way of thinking.

Now then, I've also said that I've used the bus all four years of high school; that's both the regular and the late bus, mind you. I depended on the office phone a lot, but I have never, ever seen 100-1000 kids use the office phone. Even when there was really bad weather there were about 7-11 of kids in the office. This is a nonsensical assumption. Please think of a realistic scenerio.

Oh, and I love that "we have cell phones so why not use them [in school]" bit. I have 2 MP3 players, why not use them [in school]? I can watch movies on my laptop, why not watch movies [in class]? Yea? Oh, oh, my sophomore cousin just got one of those small DVD players, why not let him watch anime [in school]? One of my project partners has porn on his laptop, why not watch it in class?

I hope you see where the logic of "I have it, so I can use it" fail.
I thought I already cover the "what if's" pretty extensively already. You kids sure lack faith in your school's authority figures, I don't see why though as they are more trained to handle emergencies than most students can ever be. Somebody got hurt at home, shouldn't they call another adult instead of a kid? Also, my Mom has passed a message to me at school before. Guess how she did it? She dialled the school's number on wired phone and spoke to the operator. Bam, next period I got a note. Oh, and my Mom doesn't even speak English that well.

... people, it doesn't take a rocket scientist, just common sense. Tell me you kids still have common sense.

[SilentxMage]

[font=Arial]Ok i dis-agree with bloomberg for many reasons and one of them because i live in New york.

-Anything could happen at any time,whether its death in your family,lets say you own mom or dad?What if someone needed to contact you to let you know.Not all schools actually take you out of class to let you know.My disagreement is based on that fact of emergency.

I mean sure it IS annoying to have little hoochies or thuggish boys talking on the phone or "key-ing" someone up.

Also someone who has posted in here brang up the topic of disturbance with the cell phones in class.Well as a student my self,yeah it can be a pain in the a** but hey its life.Your the one who has to stay focused no matter what distraction unless its like harmfull in my opinion.And for the teachers,If you see a student doing so,do them the favor and just tell them to get out.Or have them removed,its all about common sense.Like last year in my school i had my cell phone consfiscated because i had to call my dad because it was really important.So my dean saw me with it,and he took it,mind you IT was lunch time,im allowed to use it,because the office would not let a student use the phone till 3 o clock and i couldnt wait that long.My mom went in to go get it back and what happened,it was stolen and on the bill it came to alot of money and so many phone calls were made and when i called my phone this man who sounded like he was in his 30's changed my message.Now i do not know if this is rellevant to the case of cell phones but yeah it just shows we all may need it in our life at some time correct?

So i would say in all cell phone is cases should be allowed and some cases should not.

[Spirited Away]

[font=Arial]Ok i dis-agree with bloomberg for many reasons and one of them because i live in New york.

-Anything could happen at any time,whether its death in your family,lets say you own mom or dad?What if someone needed to contact you to let you know.Not all schools actually take you out of class to let you know.My disagreement is based on that fact of emergency.

I mean sure it IS annoying to have little hoochies or thuggish boys talking on the phone or "key-ing" someone up.

Also someone who has posted in here brang up the topic of disturbance with the cell phones in class.Well as a student my self,yeah it can be a pain in the a** but hey its life.Your the one who has to stay focused no matter what distraction unless its like harmfull in my opinion.And for the teachers,If you see a student doing so,do them the favor and just tell them to get out.Or have them removed,its all about common sense.Like last year in my school i had my cell phone consfiscated because i had to call my dad because it was really important.So my dean saw me with it,and he took it,mind you IT was lunch time,im allowed to use it,because the office would not let a student use the phone till 3 o clock and i couldnt wait that long.My mom went in to go get it back and what happened,it was stolen and on the bill it came to alot of money and so many phone calls were made and when i called my phone this man who sounded like he was in his 30's changed my message.Now i do not know if this is rellevant to the case of cell phones but yeah it just shows we all may need it in our life at some time correct?

So i would say in all cell phone is cases should be allowed and some cases should not.

Schools have plans for "personal emergencies", kids. First thing tomorrow morning, make an appointment or do a quick walk-in to your local conselor and ask him/her about it, please. You all seriously think that schools will keep news of a sudden death of a student's family member until school's out even though the student was contacted by another family member?

Okay, you're saying that high school students just have to deal with such distractions in class. My answer: bullshit. A classroom is a place to learn, not as a place to listen to "it's getting hot in here", "linkin park", and a gazillion other ringtones, have you all forgotten? A classroom isn't the place for cell phones, period. Also, it is up to the student who has the phone to not be a distraction, and NOT anybody else. Why should I be responsible or be the one to take the consequences of another's delinquency? The best way to not be a distraction in class? Don't have 'em at all.

On a last note, here's a tip, though it should have been quite obvious. The next time you lose your phone or suspect that it's been stolen, call to notify your provider and cancel your service for your cell phone number. And if that wasn't obvious to any of you, you should also do the same when your credit cards, check book, drivers license, or the likes get stolen.

[SilentxMage]

Schools have plans for "personal emergencies", kids. First thing tomorrow morning, make an appointment or do a quick walk-in to your local conselor and ask him/her about it, please. You all seriously think that schools will keep news of a sudden death of a student's family member until school's out even though the student was contacted by another family member?

Okay, you're saying that high school students just have to deal with such distractions in class. My answer: bullshit. A classroom is a place to learn, not as a place to listen to "it's getting hot in here", "linkin park", and a gazillion other ringtones, have you all forgotten? A classroom isn't the place for cell phones, period. Also, it is up to the student who has the phone to not be a distraction, and NOT anybody else. Why should I be responsible or be the one to take the consequences of another's delinquency? The best way to not be a distraction in class? Don't have 'em at all.

On a last note, here's a tip, though it should have been quite obvious. The next time you lose your phone or suspect that it's been stolen, call to notify your provider and cancel your service for your cell phone number. And if that wasn't obvious to any of you, you should also do the same when your credit cards, check book, drivers license, or the likes get stolen.

I dont fully agree with you on that.Yeah a classroom is infact a place to learn but this is school we are talking about.NOT every one is gonna be an angel.So obviouslly if the teacher cannot obtain some-what of good behavior from the students,then the teacher isn't fully qualified for the job.Sure they have good teaching method's e.t.c.But they do infact send you to do training in a real class with students to make notes and observe and from-time-to-time teach.So you are going to witness a bunch of asses in a class.Correct?And your right we shouldnt have to be suffering or losing time to learn because of asses.I have to deal with it everyday and i know how people are when they aren't around mom and dad.They tend to get extremly out of hand.And yeah actually i did cancel my account.

-"You all seriously think that schools will keep news of a sudden death of a student's family member until school's out even though the student was contacted by another family member?"You need to open your mind up a bit.This is school we are talking about.Ok lets take a look at a scenario.You are an only child,you mom and dad have NO parents because they already died and they have no brothers or sisters or cousins or aunts.e.t.c. and lets say your mom and dad both died [hopefully not].The school phone isnt working.What then?And if you bring up the fact about neighbors well neighbors dont really always help out.The cops do not have any idea about where you live,what school you go to,or even if you have a child yet.And maybe a friend was there to witness what happened and they needed to call you but the school wont allow you to bring in cell phones.What then?Sure there is email,but what if there is another person with the same first and last name as you spelled exactly alike but no relation what so ever.But people can hardly tell the difference?Then suddenly the power goes off in the school [it happens sometimes honestly].Then nothing powered electrictly in the school can be operated.Then your just screwed,correct?[this may seem drastic but lets just think for a moment,this can actually happen.]

Overally i do agree with what your saying but i have my side to it to.If teachers can have their cell phones ringing off my point is so can we.Whether a distraction or not.


Also i dont think this is all that debatable because theres 2 sides to the story and many scenarios to it.So im 50/50.

[Spirited Away]

I dont fully agree with you on that.Yeah a classroom is infact a place to learn but this is school we are talking about.NOT every one is gonna be an angel.So obviouslly if the teacher cannot obtain some-what of good behavior from the students,then the teacher isn't fully qualified for the job.Sure they have good teaching method's e.t.c.But they do infact send you to do training in a real class with students to make notes and observe and from-time-to-time teach.So you are going to witness a bunch of asses in a class.Correct?And your right we shouldnt have to be suffering or losing time to learn because of asses.I have to deal with it everyday and i know how people are when they aren't around mom and dad.They tend to get extremly out of hand.And yeah actually i did cancel my account.

You said students are not angels, but at the same time, it is not my or other students' responsibility that some are delinquents. Those who are must be punished, obviously. One may have to deal with it as it happens (try to block it out and such), but that doesn't mean that it's one's responsibility to deal with it. You are not obligated to suffer that kind of distraction in school. Again, if cells are banned at school, most kids will take it seriously and not bring their phones to school.

If you cancelled your account, how come you had to pay that huge bill? I'l confuzzled. You mean you eventually cancelled it. Did you file a report with the police?

-"You all seriously think that schools will keep news of a sudden death of a student's family member until school's out even though the student was contacted by another family member?"You need to open your mind up a bit.This is school we are talking about.Ok lets take a look at a scenario.You are an only child,you mom and dad have NO parents because they already died and they have no brothers or sisters or cousins or aunts.e.t.c. and lets say your mom and dad both died [hopefully not].The school phone isnt working.What then?And if you bring up the fact about neighbors well neighbors dont really always help out.The cops do not have any idea about where you live,what school you go to,or even if you have a child yet.And maybe a friend was there to witness what happened and they needed to call you but the school wont allow you to bring in cell phones.What then?Sure there is email,but what if there is another person with the same first and last name as you spelled exactly alike but no relation what so ever.But people can hardly tell the difference?Then suddenly the power goes off in the school [it happens sometimes honestly].Then nothing powered electrictly in the school can be operated.Then your just screwed,correct?[this may seem drastic but lets just think for a moment,this can actually happen.]

You said I should open my mind a bit, how? I went to high school. I know the policies and rules and though they may differ from district to district, they all have procedures for personal emergencies. You can easily figure out a solution if you know what those procedures are.

Your scenerio doesn't make sense. Are you saying that if my parents die, there would be no way I can be contacted? Are you serious? As soon as the police finds out who your parents are and where they live, they can easily find out necessary information to contact you. It may take longer without cell phones, but it will be done just as well. Hello? How did you think these things were dealt with before cell phones? If it so happens that the school's electricity is out, again, it may take longer to contact you, but you will be contacted.

This is silly. You kids seem to think we can't do anything without cell phones. Again, I have to say this kind of thinking is ridiculous, but it is frightening at the same time. Cell phones are conveniences, so when you do not have one, put your thinking cap on and think of an alternative solution.

Overally i do agree with what your saying but i have my side to it to.If teachers can have their cell phones ringing off my point is so can we.Whether a distraction or not.

Teachers have phones ringing off? Really. While I'm sure it happens, I would question the quality of a teacher whose phone rings in class, especially if it rings often.

Also i dont think this is all that debatable because theres 2 sides to the story and many scenarios to it.So im 50/50.

What you just described is a condition for any debate. When there are two opposing view points, a debate is inevitable.

[SilentxMage]

You said students are not angels, but at the same time, it is not my or other students' responsibility that some are delinquents. Those who are must be punished, obviously. One may have to deal with it as it happens (try to block it out and such), but that doesn't mean that it's one's responsibility to deal with it. You are not obligated to suffer that kind of distraction in school. Again, if cells are banned at school, most kids will take it seriously and not bring their phones to school.

If you cancelled your account, how come you had to pay that huge bill? I'l confuzzled. You mean you eventually cancelled it. Did you file a report with the police?
You said I should open my mind a bit, how? I went to high school. I know the policies and rules and though they may differ from district to district, they all have procedures for personal emergencies. You can easily figure out a solution if you know what those procedures are.

Your scenerio doesn't make sense. Are you saying that if my parents die, there would be no way I can be contacted? Are you serious? As soon as the police finds out who your parents are and where they live, they can easily find out necessary information to contact you. It may take longer without cell phones, but it will be done just as well. Hello? How did you think these things were dealt with before cell phones? If it so happens that the school's electricity is out, again, it may take longer to contact you, but you will be contacted.

This is silly. You kids seem to think we can't do anything without cell phones. Again, I have to say this kind of thinking is ridiculous, but it is frightening at the same time. Cell phones are conveniences, so when you do not have one, put your thinking cap on and think of an alternative solution.


Teachers have phones ringing off? Really. While I'm sure it happens, I would question the quality of a teacher whose phone rings in class, especially if it rings often.

What you just described is a condition for any debate. When there are two opposing view points, a debate is inevitable.

What im saying [to make it all clear] is that theres a yes and no why they should be banned.I do beg to differ upon my scenario making since.I think it does if you take the time to actually place your self in the situation.And although you said you went to highschool,that was then and this is now.Im not trying to say there wouldnt be any way possible to be contacted,but what if those ways were blocked off.Hmm?

"You said students are not angels, but at the same time, it is not my or other students' responsibility that some are delinquents. Those who are must be punished, obviously. One may have to deal with it as it happens (try to block it out and such), but that doesn't mean that it's one's responsibility to deal with it. You are not obligated to suffer that kind of distraction in school. Again, if cells are banned at school, most kids will take it seriously and not bring their phones to school. "

Lets look a this thoroughly.A child's biggest responsibilty at school i believe is to learn,not by just the teacher teaching a lesson,but on ones own self will.Alot of people play me and you in my classes and the latest music,yet i make sure to do what i need to do.&&The bunch of idiots may not always be punished.because some teachers cant control or handle them and neither can the authority in most cases handle the idiots.

"Teachers have phones ringing off? Really. While I'm sure it happens, I would question the quality of a teacher whose phone rings in class, especially if it rings often. "

Yeah thats what im saying.If a student especially see's a teacher having his/her cell phone ringing off often.Then yes they will feel obligated to let theirs ring as well.Distraction or no distraction.It is upon the student them self to choose to be distracted or not.

"This is silly. You kids seem to think we can't do anything without cell phones. Again, I have to say this kind of thinking is ridiculous, but it is frightening at the same time. Cell phones are conveniences, so when you do not have one, put your thinking cap on and think of an alternative solution."

I dont think that,though i think most biggest problem with this is emergencies.I mean like today some kid got jumped at my school really really badly.and since even at my school they dont really want the cell phones there,what if someone wanted to jump me and i needed to use my self phone because i had found out during class and needed to use it.Trust me the teacher isnt gonna give a damn till it actually happens.I'm denied of using my cell phone for my own safety.Now what?The teachers also will consfiscate the object and when-ever my parents would come in,thats the only chance i would get it back.Now then my cell phone is now taken away,these kids are going to jump me,the office will not allow me to use the telephone.Now what?If i ask someoen to let me use their cell phone,they will get their's taken away too.Now im not saying that i cant go to the guidance counselor or anything because what they will do is say "well why do you think they are going to jump you" then i am forced to tell them why.Then they will say "hmm,dont worry you will be ok,if anything just come back here if you need me"And they do actually say that.So now i get jumped,im hurt badly.No witnesses around to see that i got jumped.All i can move is my arms and i dont have my cell phone to call my mom.Now what?

[Spirited Away]

What im saying [to make it all clear] is that theres a yes and no why they should be banned.I do beg to differ upon my scenario making since.I think it does if you take the time to actually place your self in the situation.And although you said you went to highschool,that was then and this is now.Im not trying to say there wouldnt be any way possible to be contacted,but what if those ways were blocked off.Hmm?

I am a fair reader, and I like to think that I am a passable writer, so when people say that their writing make sense while I don't understand it, I get a little peeved. I would also say that I am a realist (most of the time), and any example that just beg to be labled as unrealistic doesn't persuade me. But when you asked that I "open my mind" to the situation you pulled out of your , I entertained the notion and responded as I would have if I were in that situation. What else is there?

First you say that you don't believe that I cannot be be contacted, and then you say that if those ways were blocked. I cannot see how I can answer to such a contradiction. If you mean to say I should "open my mind" to the possibility that I can't ever be contacted without the use of a cell phone, sorry, but I cannot. Again, that's silly. Cell phones are not the only way a person can be contacted in emergencies.

I graduated class of 2002; it wasn't that long ago. Please don't get into "that was then, and this is now" because the only difference between us is that I don't rely on conveniences. That's a character difference, not a time difference. I was in two clubs (one being Junior Achievement and the other was Service First), stayed for math tutoring, and missed the late bus on several occasions because of those activities. I didn't whine about not having a cell phone, I just suck it up and went to the office to call for a ride.

Lets look a this thoroughly.A child's biggest responsibilty at school i believe is to learn,not by just the teacher teaching a lesson,but on ones own self will.Alot of people play me and you in my classes and the latest music,yet i make sure to do what i need to do.&&The bunch of idiots may not always be punished.because some teachers cant control or handle them and neither can the authority in most cases handle the idiots.

You said that a child's biggest responsibility is to learn, then you say kids play music in class, which is what they shouldn't be doing but they are doing it anyway. It's not an issue of what they're doing, it's an issue of what's there to stop them from doing it, which is to place a ban and enforce punishments on violators. That's been my argument all along. Authority can handle it, again, it is the problem of the quality of the authority and that's not what we're here to argue. Or else, we'd get into qualifications of teachers and I'd go off to off-topic lala-land.

"Teachers have phones ringing off? Really. While I'm sure it happens, I would question the quality of a teacher whose phone rings in class, especially if it rings often. "

Yeah thats what im saying.If a student especially see's a teacher having his/her cell phone ringing off often.Then yes they will feel obligated to let theirs ring as well.Distraction or no distraction.It is upon the student them self to choose to be distracted or not.

Again you miss the point, which is that there shouldn't be opportunies for distractions in the classroom in the first place.

"This is silly. You kids seem to think we can't do anything without cell phones. Again, I have to say this kind of thinking is ridiculous, but it is frightening at the same time. Cell phones are conveniences, so when you do not have one, put your thinking cap on and think of an alternative solution."

I dont think that,though i think most biggest problem with this is emergencies.I mean like today some kid got jumped at my school really really badly.and since even at my school they dont really want the cell phones there,what if someone wanted to jump me and i needed to use my self phone because i had found out during class and needed to use it.Trust me the teacher isnt gonna give a damn till it actually happens.I'm denied of using my cell phone for my own safety.Now what?The teachers also will consfiscate the object and when-ever my parents would come in,thats the only chance i would get it back.Now then my cell phone is now taken away,these kids are going to jump me,the office will not allow me to use the telephone.Now what?If i ask someoen to let me use their cell phone,they will get their's taken away too.Now im not saying that i cant go to the guidance counselor or anything because what they will do is say "well why do you think they are going to jump you" then i am forced to tell them why.Then they will say "hmm,dont worry you will be ok,if anything just come back here if you need me"And they do actually say that.So now i get jumped,im hurt badly.No witnesses around to see that i got jumped.All i can move is my arms and i dont have my cell phone to call my mom.Now what?

Again, again, again, how did you think we dealt with these problems before the popularization of cell phones. If you think a cell is going to save you during an emergency, go back and read my arguments before you. There are statstics that say cell phones cause accidents. There are stories about people talking on cell phones who didn't noticed they were being stalked. There are real stories about cell phones causing emergencies. They are as helpful as they are dangerous.

It's laughable that you think a cell phone can save you from getting jumped. If you couldn't get an adult to help you in person, how are you going to call someone and have them help you? By the time that the person comes along, you're already dead, my dear.

As I've said so before, you don't need a cell phone in those cases. You need a friend.

[SilentxMage]

I am a fair reader, and I like to think that I am a passable writer, so when people say that their writing make sense while I don't understand it, I get a little peeved. I would also say that I am a realist (most of the time), and any example that just beg to be labled as unrealistic doesn't persuade me. But when you asked that I "open my mind" to the situation you pulled out of your , I entertained the notion and responded as I would have if I were in that situation. What else is there?

First you say that you don't believe that I cannot be be contacted, and then you say that if those ways were blocked. I cannot see how I can answer to such a contradiction. If you mean to say I should "open my mind" to the possibility that I can't ever be contacted without the use of a cell phone, sorry, but I cannot. Again, that's silly. Cell phones are not the only way a person can be contacted in emergencies.

I graduated class of 2002; it wasn't that long ago. Please don't get into "that was then, and this is now" because the only difference between us is that I don't rely on conveniences. That's a character difference, not a time difference. I was in two clubs (one being Junior Achievement and the other was Service First), stayed for math tutoring, and missed the late bus on several occasions because of those activities. I didn't whine about not having a cell phone, I just suck it up and went to the office to call for a ride.
You said that a child's biggest responsibility is to learn, then you say kids play music in class, which is what they shouldn't be doing but they are doing it anyway. It's not an issue of what they're doing, it's an issue of what's there to stop them from doing it, which is to place a ban and enforce punishments on violators. That's been my argument all along. Authority can handle it, again, it is the problem of the quality of the authority and that's not what we're here to argue. Or else, we'd get into qualifications of teachers and I'd go off to off-topic lala-land.
Again you miss the point, which is that there shouldn't be opportunies for distractions in the classroom in the first place.
Again, again, again, how did you think we dealt with these problems before the popularization of cell phones. If you think a cell is going to save you during an emergency, go back and read my arguments before you. There are statstics that say cell phones cause accidents. There are stories about people talking on cell phones who didn't noticed they were being stalked. There are real stories about cell phones causing emergencies. They are as helpful as they are dangerous.

It's laughable that you think a cell phone can save you from getting jumped. If you couldn't get an adult to help you in person, how are you going to call someone and have them help you? By the time that the person comes along, you're already dead, my dear.

As I've said so before, you don't need a cell phone in those cases. You need a friend.

"I graduated class of 2002; it wasn't that long ago. Please don't get into "that was then, and this is now" because the only difference between us is that I don't rely on conveniences. That's a character difference, not a time difference. I was in two clubs (one being Junior Achievement and the other was Service First), stayed for math tutoring, and missed the late bus on several occasions because of those activities. I didn't whine about not having a cell phone, I just suck it up and went to the office to call for a ride."

I didnt want you to take it that way.But im not getting into that.And sure i agree with you on cell phones do bring emergencies.

"It's laughable that you think a cell phone can save you from getting jumped. If you couldn't get an adult to help you in person, how are you going to call someone and have them help you? By the time that the person comes along, you're already dead, my dear."

Im guessing you lived in a white area.Just a thought,dont go thinking im racist.But actually a cell phone can save you fromg getting jumped.Well the story if that was me in a situation like that,my mom is very crazy and just becauses shes 39,she will fight who ever.Not to bring this up but we've lived in the worst places of new york.The real bad ones and she knows how it is and she doesnt play that.And neither do i.The difference bewtween an adult in person than a person over the phone.The person in a case will think that the child is being over dramatic.Trust me i know how people are and i've been in a situation that no one has helped but just stared.Now calling a friend or relative,they will be there for you at any case because thats what they do.Ok.And honestly dont gimme that by the time they get there,your already dead stuff because i dont believe you die because your hurt i believe you die because you give in.Anyway lets not get into that.

"You need a friend"

I take offense to that and to give you some info about me i do have friends hun.

"Again you miss the point, which is that there shouldn't be opportunies for distractions in the classroom in the first place.
Again, again, again, how did you think we dealt with these problems before the popularization of cell phones. If you think a cell is going to save you during an emergency, go back and read my arguments before you. There are statstics that say cell phones cause accidents. There are stories about people talking on cell phones who didn't noticed they were being stalked. There are real stories about cell phones causing emergencies. They are as helpful as they are dangerous. "

I do not doubt that.Your missing my point.You cannot control anyone no matter who you are.And either way without cell phones,There still will be distractions.

"You said that a child's biggest responsibility is to learn, then you say kids play music in class, which is what they shouldn't be doing but they are doing it anyway. It's not an issue of what they're doing, it's an issue of what's there to stop them from doing it, which is to place a ban and enforce punishments on violators. That's been my argument all along. Authority can handle it, again, it is the problem of the quality of the authority and that's not what we're here to argue. Or else, we'd get into qualifications of teachers and I'd go off to off-topic lala-land."

But they will do it anyway.You cannot stop them.No matter the situation.They will do it anyway.I u nderstand you are saying that they shouldnt have it to begin with.Well honeslty thats on you.People have personal issues going on that you may not even know about.Also if the cell phone does happen to ring off from a call,you may not know if its important or not.Thats why we need trust and stop trying to thinking upon a one way road and open up to many possibilites whether you think it is realistic or un-realistic.And i disagree with you about authority.They will not always have control over a human being.Even if they had a gun to their face,no chance in most cases.So if your saying we should have more rules/punishments.Do you really think that will help?The more you try to stop them from doing it,the more they are going to do it.Through my experiences i know for sure that even banning cell phones will not help.There are many many ways to hide things.My point on banning and enforcing punishments is that it will not always help.But i will say this,the more subjective people become on rules the more people will think ahead of what to do in the situation.

"First you say that you don't believe that I cannot be be contacted, and then you say that if those ways were blocked. I cannot see how I can answer to such a contradiction. If you mean to say I should "open my mind" to the possibility that I can't ever be contacted without the use of a cell phone, sorry, but I cannot. Again, that's silly. Cell phones are not the only way a person can be contacted in emergencies."

No,What i said was if they ban cell phones then you cannot be contacted.If it is confiscated you cannot be contacted.To what i said about options being blocked off,it is reffering to schools being prepared for emergencies.

"I was in two clubs (one being Junior Achievement and the other was Service First), stayed for math tutoring, and missed the late bus on several occasions because of those activities. I didn't whine about not having a cell phone, I just suck it up and went to the office to call for a ride."

Well your school may not be like mines,or the next persons.Thats another point im trying to make.To me and only to me i think you are looking at it from your experiences.We are not whining either we are simply fighting for our rights.

"If you mean to say I should "open my mind" to the possibility that I can't ever be contacted without the use of a cell phone, sorry, but I cannot. Again, that's silly. Cell phones are not the only way a person can be contacted in emergencies."

So from the scenario i placed my self into.What am i apose to do,yell for someone to help me?Lets be honest here,in public,people see you on the floor they will step over you.From the two scenarios i gave i listed my point on the subject of emergencies.

I want this to stay civil by all means.I dont want you to think i am an ass who's stuck on thinking cell phones are the only way people can be contacted during emergencies but is many cases thaat will be the only option.Thats all.Now if anything i said in this post does not make since i apologize because i was distracted many many times.

[smoke]

Cell phones in schools are fine as long as they're not used in class. That's what my schools rule is and we have never had a problem or distraction. And, even in the event that one did go off, how long would that be? 20 seconds? If you're going to get all worked up over that, please, take a few chill pills.

And my school also doesn't allow you to use any phone in the school unless you're throwing your guts up. Not even the office phone.

Besides all that, the issue with iPods and cell phones in class... isn't it the teachers job to make sure you're not using any electronic devices?

[Spirited Away]

I didnt want you to take it that way.But im not getting into that.And sure i agree with you on cell phones do bring emergencies.
Im guessing you lived in a white area.Just a thought,dont go thinking im racist.But actually a cell phone can save you fromg getting jumped.Well the story if that was me in a situation like that,my mom is very crazy and just becauses shes 39,she will fight who ever.Not to bring this up but we've lived in the worst places of new york.The real bad ones and she knows how it is and she doesnt play that.And neither do i.The difference bewtween an adult in person than a person over the phone.The person in a case will think that the child is being over dramatic.Trust me i know how people are and i've been in a situation that no one has helped but just stared.Now calling a friend or relative,they will be there for you at any case because thats what they do.Ok.And honestly dont gimme that by the time they get there,your already dead stuff because i dont believe you die because your hurt i believe you die because you give in.Anyway lets not get into that.

Haha, I live in a white area so I don't have to worry about getting jumped? Child I got beat walking home alone when I was a kid by two black teens. Thinking that a cell would have helped me is really, really laughable. My family moved from neighborhood to neighborhood after we immigrated to America. If you dig up my old posts, you can pretty much figure out the kinds of conditions I lived in. White neighborhoods my ass.

Again, how do you think people deal with situations before cell phones? You think people would just get mugged or beat up without cell phones? I just don't get the logic of that. You're talking as if I've never been a student in high school, or that I've never had to go through crazy shit.

Since you want scenerios, let me tell you real-life ones. I live on the streets practically since I was old enough to walk. My parents were in "re-education camps", aka communist-torture-prisons for those who oppose their regime, and I lived with my cousins who were in gangs. In fact, we "owned" the bay area where I lived. You think cell phones would have made a difference of if or when you get jumped? Hahhahahha.

When I said you'd be dead already, I meant that you'd be beaten up already and there's no point then. And when I said you need a friend, that was a general statement.

If you called your relative or whatever, by the time that they get to you, you would already be beaten up. They can't protect you every time of day. Oh my god, how do you live worrying about when you're going to get beat up. If you know you're going to get beat up, guess what? Be smart and walk in crowded areas, walk with your "friends", or stay where people can help you. You will still get jumped if you walk by yourself... EVEN WITH A CELL PHONE.

I take offense to that and to give you some info about me i do have friends hun.

... again, that was a general statement. How did you miss that? Don't read me out of context.

A cell phone wouldn't help you in those situations, but a friend can if they are with you. That's why I said "As I've said so before, you don't need a cell phone in those cases. You need a friend. "

I do not doubt that.Your missing my point.You cannot control anyone no matter who you are.And either way without cell phones,There still will be distractions.

... you said one cannot control anyone no matter the power of authority.. but you think a cell phone can control whether or not you'd get beat up.... hmmm.

And either way without cell phones,There still will be distractions.

Without cell phones, there'll be one less distraction to be worry about.

But they will do it anyway.You cannot stop them.No matter the situation.They will do it anyway.I u nderstand you are saying that they shouldnt have it to begin with.Well honeslty thats on you.People have personal issues going on that you may not even know about.Also if the cell phone does happen to ring off from a call,you may not know if its important or not.Thats why we need trust and stop trying to thinking upon a one way road and open up to many possibilites whether you think it is realistic or un-realistic.And i disagree with you about authority.They will not always have control over a human being.Even if they had a gun to their face,no chance in most cases.So if your saying we should have more rules/punishments.Do you really think that will help?The more you try to stop them from doing it,the more they are going to do it.Through my experiences i know for sure that even banning cell phones will not help.There are many many ways to hide things.My point on banning and enforcing punishments is that it will not always help.But i will say this,the more subjective people become on rules the more people will think ahead of what to do in the situation.

What do you mean they cannot be stopped? If you truly believe that, then you obviously believe that there's no point in traffic lights or that there's no point in having laws. While there are people who run red lights and there are people who break the law, they get punished for it. It's how society works. If someone disregard authority, they'll be punished for it. Society abide the rules, or haven't you noticed?

Personal issues? So, before cell phones, your parents, and your grandparents didn't have personal issues? All of a sudden, only cell phones can deal with personal issues? What?

Yes, there are ways to hide cell phones, I'm sure, but that's the point. If they hide it, they're not openly using it, nor are they making blatant distractions. What are you getting at?

No,What i said was if they ban cell phones then you cannot be contacted.If it is confiscated you cannot be contacted.To what i said about options being blocked off,it is reffering to schools being prepared for emergencies.

Again, ask your counselor how your school deal with personal emergencies.

I thought I already cover the "what if's" pretty extensively already. You kids sure lack faith in your school's authority figures, I don't see why though as they are more trained to handle emergencies than most students can ever be. Somebody got hurt at home, shouldn't they call another adult instead of a kid? Also, my Mom has passed a message to me at school before. Guess how she did it? She dialled the school's number on wired phone and spoke to the operator. Bam, next period I got a note. Oh, and my Mom doesn't even speak English that well.

In other kinds of emergencies... well, I had this to say:

Yes, in extreme emergencies, they are a great convenience, and again, it is better to be safe than sorry. However, in those emergencies, do you have any idea how much more worst off it is for so many people to be calling around? On the day that Hurrican Rita was supposed to hit Houston, it took me TWO HOURS to get a clear line to call my family and friends because the network was busy. I tried my home phone as well as my cell phone. So in an emergency like 9-11, real emergency calls may not be able to get through because non-emergency users would be jamming the networks.

Well your school may not be like mines,or the next persons.Thats another point im trying to make.To me and only to me i think you are looking at it from your experiences.We are not whining either we are simply fighting for our rights.

Now this is interesting; you mentioned "rights". What rights would those be? Give me a law or a recognized social movement that says cell phones in school is a "right" and should be allowed.
When you don't know what a "right" is, you shouldn't talk about it. I'm not trying to be an ass here either, but I'm taking a class that talked about "rights" and I just though it'd be fitting to tell you that you should know what your "rights" actually are.

I have to talk about my experiences because you gave me "scenerios". How am I else supposed to give you a realistic response? I don't want to make up any stories.

So from the scenario i placed my self into.What am i apose to do,yell for someone to help me?Lets be honest here,in public,people see you on the floor they will step over you.From the two scenarios i gave i listed my point on the subject of emergencies.
I want this to stay civil by all means.I dont want you to think i am an ass who's stuck on thinking cell phones are the only way people can be contacted during emergencies but is many cases thaat will be the only option.Thats all.Now if anything i said in this post does not make since i apologize because i was distracted many many times.

I don't think you're an ass. This is a debate, there's obviously two sides of the story. I'm not a bitter 10 year old who'll pout because you're not on my side. Haha. I've been here since this debate forum started, I wouldn't last that long here if I acted like that.

Okay, lets say you're getting beat up. Where? In a crowded street? Let me tell you what I learned in First Aid certification class. If you're not getting the help you need when you're in a crowded place, GRAB SOMEONE and DEMAND HIM/HER TO HELP YOU. It works! It's psychology more than anything. People always think, I'm not going to help them because someone else will. If you are specific, SOMEONE WILL STEP UP FOR YOU.

If you're getting beat up in an empty alley. My question would be, WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING walking into an EMPTY alley by yourself?

On a light note... cell phones are like... crying babies. Babies (generally speaking, not your own) are cute to look at and fawn over until they poop or screams in public. Like wise, cell phones are cool and convenient until they become distractions and safety concerns in school.


Last but not least, if you want to talk about school safety and don't believe whatever I've been telling you, at least believe in the people who knows for fact that cells don't do anything to deter safety hazards. http://www.schoolsecurity.org/trends/cell_phones.html









Plus I say "ban" cell phones because it's the only way that most kids will actually follow the rules. If policies say children can bring phones to the class room, the priviledge will certainly be abused. This is to answer IROCKCB .


Cell phones in schools are fine as long as they're not used in class. That's what my schools rule is and we have never had a problem or distraction. And, even in the event that one did go off, how long would that be? 20 seconds? If you're going to get all worked up over that, please, take a few chill pills.

And my school also doesn't allow you to use any phone in the school unless you're throwing your guts up. Not even the office phone.



They'll be used in class if they are not banned, period. There was another kid in here who said that cells DO go off in class, so don't tell me that it doesn't happen. I know for a fact that it happens. And then, that 20 seconds is enough to be a distraction. Taking "chill pills" isn't the answer for everything. I'm sorry that I can be as cool and as laid back as you to ignore cell phones in class. (Actually, I'm not sorry, I was sarcastic if you didn't figure it out). The classroom isn't the place that I have to take "chill pills".

What is the phone number to your school? I like to call them and ask for their policies. I'm actually, very interested in this topic. Better yet give me an email to one of your school's counselor.

But, as I've mentioned before, you should work everything out with your parents about your mode of transportations before going to school. If they don't care, set 'em straight, or get a friend.


Besides all that, the issue with iPods and cell phones in class... isn't it the teachers job to make sure you're not using any electronic devices?
Guess what? It is indeed the teacher's job to teach and prevent distractions, but it's the students job to LEARN and respect education, not to create distractions. If teachers don't stop distractions, then they're not doing their job, but if a student brings in distractions, he/she isn't doing his/her job either.

[smoke]

They'll be used in class if they are not banned, period. There was another kid in here who said that cells DO go off in class, so don't tell me that it doesn't happen. I know for a fact that it happens. And then, that 20 seconds is enough to be a distraction. Taking "chill pills" isn't the answer for everything. I'm sorry that I can be as cool and as laid back as you to ignore cell phones in class. (Actually, I'm not sorry, I was sarcastic if you didn't figure it out). The classroom isn't the place that I have to take "chill pills".

What is the phone number to your school? I like to call them and ask for their policies. I'm actually, very interested in this topic. Better yet give me an email to one of your school's counselor.

But, as I've mentioned before, you should work everything out with your parents about your mode of transportations before going to school. If they don't care, set 'em straight, or get a friend.
Besides all that, the issue with iPods and cell phones in class... isn't it the teachers job to make sure you're not using any electronic devices?
Guess what? It is indeed the teacher's job to teach and prevent distractions, but it's the students job to LEARN and respect education, not to create distractions. If teachers don't stop distractions, then they're not doing their job, but if a student brings in distractions, he/she isn't doing his/her job either.

First of all, I wasn't speaking directly to you. I don't see anywhere that I mentioned your name. So chill out.

Secondly, I never said it doesn't happen, did I? I said it wasn't a problem in my school. And I'm sorry I'm not as uptight and overly concerned about trivial subjects as you are. (Sorry, my turn for sarcasm.)

I'm not sure actually. You can look it up though. It's the only Bunn High School in North Carolina.

Sure, in an ideal world when all situations are able to be planned out ahead of time, I'd love to discuss the topic of transportation with my parents before school. The reason my mom bought me a cell phone was for emergencies in school and issues like transportation. Not to mention times when I stay after school at an event that doesn't end at a specific time (which happens very often being that I'm on yearbook staff) and she needs to know when to pick me up.

Indeed it is. Again, in an ideal world, everyone would actually LEARN and respect education. You need to wake up and realize that's not what's going on nor will it any time soon. It's unfortunate I even have to state that, but it's the awful truth. Therefore, it has to be a part of a teachers job. And I don't consider bringing my iPod or cell phone to school in my backpack turned off for after school use a distraction.

You seem pretty hung up on distractions. I guess we should ban all class clowns and entertaining teachers with actual personality from school as well. (Don't get excited. That was also sarcasm.)

Oh, and just a little extra info for ya Fae. Here's the definition of job in the context you used:
1. occupation: the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

Last I checked, I wasn't being paid to do my "job". Therefore, I couldn't possibly not be doing my "job."

[Spirited Away]

1) First of all, I wasn't speaking directly to you. I don't see anywhere that I mentioned your name. So chill out.

2) Secondly, I never said it doesn't happen, did I? I said it wasn't a problem in my school. And I'm sorry I'm not as uptight and overly concerned about trivial subjects as you are. (Sorry, my turn for sarcasm.)

3) I'm not sure actually. You can look it up though. It's the only Bunn High School in North Carolina.

4) Sure, in an ideal world when all situations are able to be planned out ahead of time, I'd love to discuss the topic of transportation with my parents before school. The reason my mom bought me a cell phone was for emergencies in school and issues like transportation. Not to mention times when I stay after school at an event that doesn't end at a specific time (which happens very often being that I'm on yearbook staff) and she needs to know when to pick me up.

5) Indeed it is. Again, in an ideal world, everyone would actually LEARN and respect education. You need to wake up and realize that's not what's going on nor will it any time soon. It's unfortunate I even have to state that, but it's the awful truth. Therefore, it has to be a part of a teachers job. And I don't consider bringing my iPod or cell phone to school in my backpack turned off for after school use a distraction.

6) You seem pretty hung up on distractions. I guess we should ban all class clowns and entertaining teachers with actual personality from school as well. (Don't get excited. That was also sarcasm.)

7) Oh, and just a little extra info for ya Fae. Here's the definition of job in the context you used:
1. occupation: the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

8) Last I checked, I wasn't being paid to do my "job". Therefore, I couldn't possibly not be doing my "job."

1) You don't have to talk to me, if the shoes fits me, I'll respond. This is a forum after all, or are you saying I can't respond unless you're directly speaking to me? More specifically, this is a debate forum. Telling people to chill out, or take a chill pill in the midst of an argument or to answer and argument is rather nonesense.

Also, you call me uptight now. Don't act like you weren't talking to me.

2) No, but you seem to think that because it's not a problem in your class that it doesn't happen anywhere else. I'm surprise that you claim to know what goes on in your whole school, but you have that right, and I have a right not to believe it.

Haha. Sorry, for being "uptight" to you, but I rather be uptight and know all available alternatives in emergencies than rely on cell phones alone. I thought that's rather smart of me.

3) You don't know your own school's phone number? No wonder you kids are so relied on cell phones. I hope you at least know how to dial 911. Oh, I'm sorry, may you already do know because it's stored on your cell phone.

Relying on cell phones as your only mode of contingency planning is really... sad. I hope you have alternative plans for when your cell run out of battery or when the service is busy.

4) What you've described is not a need for cell phone, it's a want for convenience. Which is the core logic of my argument.

5) ... dude, you missed the whole point of this argument didn't you? Let me recap it for you in easy-to-understand sentences. 1) I'm for banning cell phones because they are distractions in the classroom because they tend to go off in class. 2) If there is a ban, the chances of cells going off in class ARE LOW. 3) If there is no ban, kids will abuse the priviledge and cells will ring in class often. Get it now?

So, put two and two together. If it's banned, kids will hide the fact that have cells on them and not use it openly and create distractions. Bam! Problem solved.

It doesn't require the world to be perfect in order to have kids who follow the rules. Just enforce the rules with feasible consequences, and most kids will do what they're told.

6) ... you know, you kids take advantage of school. It's sad, but you kids are very spoiled. You think school is a place that should allow for distractions as rude and as disruptive as cell phones. You may think that wanting a school life for LEARNING is being "hung up" on something, and that's fine, but in truth, kids who go to school to create distractions are just plain spoiled.

If teachers with personalities can teach and students can learn from him/her, I don't see how that's a problem.

7) Brandon, or Brenden, or Brendan whichever it is (you'll have to excuse me, I'm really bad with names)... go learn English all over again . In the context of my sentence, it is a teacher's job is to teach, and a student's job to learn. What is the definition of teacher and student? You can look that up, too. Then, look up the word "job".

You don't even know what " in the context" means, you're making me smile. Occupation my butt.

8) ... analyze what's wrong with your own argument, because it is as ridiculous as saying the sky is purple on a sunny day. First, you define "occupation", then you quoted "job" as a reference. What the heck? Inconsistent much? No wonder you don't get it. Child, you need serious tutoring or cram school.


Geez, what are kids learning in school these days? And on a last note, for kids don't have to experience having two jobs, paying for school and everything else in life to tell me what's not "ideal" in the world is really, really amusing.

[AngelinaTaylor]

I just have to say one thing: if I carry my cell phone, it's my business. Nobody should care if I have one, unless it's a danger to someone's health or something. Or, and unless it disturbs anybody. I switch it on silent in class and I've never had it go off during class. So, really, what's the problem?

P.S. Oh yeah, and I don't feel like giving 25 cents every time I need to make a call when I have tons of free minutes :) I'm not that rich..

[*Infinite.*]

^Angelina, your 100% right.

Seriously, if someone wants to carry their cell phone then let them carry their cell phone. I mean if your going to be that worried about everyone else to complain about someone having a cell phone, then aparently somethings wrong with you for not taking your attention off of them. If you set your mind to it you can accomplish anything.

No one wants to waste their money on payphones when they already pay for a cell phone. If anyone wants to do so, then good for you.


No matter what anyone does, their never going to ban cell phones. Theres no huge reason for them to do so. I mean if it bothers you that much then complain to your teachers for not paying attention enough to notice people using cell phones.

[Spirited Away]

^ Pay phones, why do you need pay phones? You're seriously going to need to call someone everyday or else you'd be in a heap of trouble or what? Why? You don't need to be rich to use a pay phone either, you just need to have some change in case you really need to make a call. Don't tell me that you kids "really" need to make a call that bad every day. Look, I was in school, participated in after school activities, and I rode the bus home, I never had a need for cell phones nor did I need a pay phone each time I wanted to call home. Don't tell me that in the last 4 years, kids have lost sight of what is "need" and what is "want".

On another note, stop saying "let them carry phones since it's none of your business", "it shouldn't bother you, chill out" or things like that. I already explained why it's a problem in high schools. Pay attention and think of a better rebuttal. It seems the only answer to this controversy the opposing side is able to dig up is "it's none of your business"... Guess what? If I'm sitting next to you in class and your cell goes off, it becomes my business and the class' as well. This is just like the rule that you shouldn't yell "fire" in a building, or "hijack" on an airplane. Your "right"/"business" just stepped on other people's grounds.

I've talked about teachers as well. If I remember correctly, a rule of this forum is to read the thread. If you're too lazy to do that, at least understand the other side before jumping in. This is especially true because Angelina Taylor made the exception to her carrying a cell phone to when her cell disturbs someone.

Or, and unless it disturbs anybody.

Obviously, cell phones wouldn't be a problem ANYWHERE if it doesn't disturb or create distractions. And that is my point, that cells do disturb IN CLASS/IN SCHOOL.

Seriously, pay attention. Because of that exception, I was able to agree with a lot of what she says. I carry a cell on silent, too, and it would be a bother to use a pay phone. But I'm in college full-time, with two jobs, and I'm the President-elect of an organization. I have an excuse to want the convenience badly, what's yours? See, I even admit it. I don't need a cell phone, I just want it for convenience.

Ask yourself, why do some public schools require dress codes or the like rules? There's no "huge reason" to do so either, but they are done nonetheless.

If you think that a person can accomplish things by setting their minds on it, then in the same logic, kids can set their mind to not using cellphones in school, and more importantly in class, and "accomplish" that, too.

[AngelinaTaylor]

^ Pay phones, why do you need pay phones? You're seriously going to need to call someone everyday or else you'd be in a heap of trouble or what? Why? You don't need to be rich to use a pay phone either, you just need to have some change in case you really need to make a call. Don't tell me that you kids "really" need to make a call that bad every day.

First off, I'm not a "kid". I'm nearly 18 years old, and I have a lot going on with my schedule. Things change ALL the time for me, nearly every day. If I don't have my cell phone, there's no doubt that it will become slightly chaotic. And I'm sorry, but I get less than $3 a day. That's all. I don't work anymore because I don't have time. And I can't afford to waste money on making a call from a pay phone :)

Look, I was in school, participated in after school activities, and I rode the bus home, I never had a need for cell phones nor did I need a pay phone each time I wanted to call home. Don't tell me that in the last 4 years, kids have lost sight of what is "need" and what is "want".

You are you. I'm not you. I go out of home at 7AM, and I get home at 11PM, all done by public transport. 6 out of 7 days anyway. Mind you, my BROTHER got me my cell phone because he didn't like the thought of not knowing for sure where I am and whether I'm ok at 10pm in Toronto. I think he has a right. Plus, my mom freaks out easily, and she loves to call me late when she wants to know what time I'm coming home, despite the fact that I've already told her numerous times. But anyway.

On another note, stop saying "let them carry phones since it's none of your business", "it shouldn't bother you, chill out" or things like that. I already explained why it's a problem in high schools. Pay attention and think of a better rebuttal. It seems the only answer to this controversy the opposing side is able to dig up is "it's none of your business"... Guess what? If I'm sitting next to you in class and your cell goes off, it becomes my business and the class' as well.

My cell phone does not go off in class, period. So shhh. Chill out :) In the past four years, it has NEVER gone off. Ever.

This is especially true because Angelina Taylor made the exception to her carrying a cell phone to when her cell disturbs someone.

I'm stupid and I didn't understand your sentence. Can you paraphrase it for me?

Obviously, cell phones wouldn't be a problem ANYWHERE if it doesn't disturb or create distractions.

Alrighty. My cell phone has never disturbed anybody, so I guess (by using deductive logic), that it's not a problem.

On another note: what would happen if somebody's phone goes off? Would it kill you? Why are you so aggressive towards this? They would create a distraction for 10 seconds, after which things get back to normal. At least that's what's happened in some of my classes.

Seriously, pay attention. Because of that exception, I was able to agree with a lot of what she says. I carry a cell on silent, too, and it would be a bother to use a pay phone. But I'm in college full-time, with two jobs, and I'm the President-elect of an organization. I have an excuse to want the convenience badly, what's yours? See, I even admit it. I don't need a cell phone, I just want it for convenience.

As I said, you are you. I go to two schools, full time. I'm a part of a number of organizations, plus I get called at times to teach. I also perform on a regular basis. Sometimes I don't see my parents with days (even though we live in the same appartment), and they like to call from time to time, you know, to see what's up. That's not so terrible, is it? Especially if you're constantly on the move. Which I am.

Ask yourself, why do some public schools require dress codes or the like rules? There's no "huge reason" to do so either, but they are done nonetheless.

That's way different than harmlessly carrying a cell phone. :)

[*Infinite.*]

I'm sorry that everyone isn't as great as you are Fae, some people have more complicated lives and need a cell phone to call people to get on with their lives.
I'm sure if you were in one of those peoples shoes you feel completely different about the suitation.


I know plenty of people that carry cell phones and it never causes a distraction to anyone else. Even if they use it..

So aparently its not that big of deal around here. And the fact that with the first post, a school wants to waste money to get metal detectors to make sure students don't carry cell phones, its useless.

[Spirited Away]

First off, I'm not a "kid". I'm nearly 18 years old, and I have a lot going on with my schedule. Things change ALL the time for me, nearly every day. If I don't have my cell phone, there's no doubt that it will become slightly chaotic. And I'm sorry, but I get less than $3 a day. That's all. I don't work anymore because I don't have time. And I can't afford to waste money on making a call from a pay phone :)
You are you. I'm not you. I go out of home at 7AM, and I get home at 11PM, all done by public transport. 6 out of 7 days anyway. Mind you, my BROTHER got me my cell phone because he didn't like the thought of not knowing for sure where I am and whether I'm ok at 10pm in Toronto. I think he has a right. Plus, my mom freaks out easily, and she loves to call me late when she wants to know what time I'm coming home, despite the fact that I've already told her numerous times. But anyway.
My cell phone does not go off in class, period. So shhh. Chill out :) In the past four years, it has NEVER gone off. Ever.
I'm stupid and I didn't understand your sentence. Can you paraphrase it for me?
Alrighty. My cell phone has never disturbed anybody, so I guess (by using deductive logic), that it's not a problem.

On another note: what would happen if somebody's phone goes off? Would it kill you? Why are you so aggressive towards this? They would create a distraction for 10 seconds, after which things get back to normal. At least that's what's happened in some of my classes.

As I said, you are you. I go to two schools, full time. I'm a part of a number of organizations, plus I get called at times to teach. I also perform on a regular basis. Sometimes I don't see my parents with days (even though we live in the same appartment), and they like to call from time to time, you know, to see what's up. That's not so terrible, is it? Especially if you're constantly on the move. Which I am.

That's way different than harmlessly carrying a cell phone. :)

Did you see my carrot? "^"?
I wasn't talking to you so I wasn't pointing at you and saying "kid". Most of the time, the word "kid" is generalized anyway. If you're in high school, you'd be a kid to me because I'm older in comparison. The only time I talked about you, I quoted you see? I also explained that in some situations, it's okay. Did you read me at all? The problem is, not all kids need cell phones like the claim they do.

When I quoted you, you said that carrying cells isn't a problem UNLESS it's disturbing others. In this debate we are discussing how it is disturbing in the class room when a cell phone rings (in the same manner that it's disturbing in a movie or in a library), something that I assumed you'd agree with because of what you said.

... It wouldn't kill me if a phone goes off, nor would it kill me if someone's watching porn in class.... This is a debate, how am I not supposed to be "agressive"? Please, I remember instances where you and many others were equally "agressive" about a topic in here. The pot is calling the kettle black.

The point is that in the classroom, there should be one less case of distractions.

Again, again, why aren't you reading me? I said that there are exceptions, but the majority of people who are in high school do not need it.


You don't think using cell phones to cheat is a problem? And I'm sure you've read news about kids taking pictures in lockers and putting them on myspace, or haven't you? Harmless? Really?

I'm sorry that everyone isn't as great as you are Fae, some people have more complicated lives and need a cell phone to call people to get on with their lives.
I'm sure if you were in one of those peoples shoes you feel completely different about the suitation.
I know plenty of people that carry cell phones and it never causes a distraction to anyone else. Even if they use it..

So aparently its not that big of deal around here. And the fact that with the first post, a school wants to waste money to get metal detectors to make sure students don't carry cell phones, its useless.

I'm great? Please, don't go there. Complicated lives? How can a high school student have so a complicated life that a cell phone becomes a need forhim/her? You don't think that people before you had complicated lives? How do you think older generations dealt with it?

As I've already explained, I was in their shoes. I understand completely that there is NO NEED for cells, only a WANT for convenience. Do you think I skipped high school and don't know how it was?

And I know plenty of people that carry cells that do go off in class. In fact, in this very thread, another student was saying that cells go off in his/her class quite often. Why don't you read the thread and see for yourself?

Geez ladies, I'm not saying that it's going to be the end of the world if cells go off, but that it is a distraction. Again I must remind you, this is a debate, don't get all pissy with the I'm-sorry-that-everyone-isn't-as-great shit just because I don't agree with you. If you're this touchy, you might as well think badly of everyone who holds a different opinion than you. Don't have a cow, it's just a debate.

[AngelinaTaylor]

I wasn't talking to you so I wasn't pointing at you and saying "kid". Most of the time, the word "kid" is generalized anyway. If you're in high school, you'd be a kid to me because I'm older in comparison. The only time I talked about you, I quoted you see? I also explained that in some situations, it's okay. Did you read me at all? The problem is, not all kids need cell phones like the claim they do.

It doesn't matter whether you were talking to me or not; it's a debate and I can respond if I like. Correct me if I'm wrong. And yes, I'm in high school, but I'm not a kid. So when you're 26 and I'm 25, I'd still be a kid to you? Interesting logic. The fact that you're older doesn't give you the right to call me one.

When I quoted you, you said that carrying cells isn't a problem UNLESS it's disturbing others. In this debate we are discussing how it is disturbing in the class room when a cell phone rings (in the same manner that it's disturbing in a movie or in a library), something that I assumed you'd agree with because of what you said.

Great. Then we don't have a problem. :)

... It wouldn't kill me if a phone goes off, nor would it kill me if someone's watching porn in class.... This is a debate, how am I not supposed to be "agressive"? Please, I remember instances where you and many others were equally "agressive" about a topic in here. The pot is calling the kettle black.

Well, you are aggressive. And when did I say I was never agressive? :)

The point is that in the classroom, there should be one less case of distractions.

Yes. Switch it off, otherwise the teacher should have the right to keep it. It's not that difficult.

You don't think using cell phones to cheat is a problem? And I'm sure you've read news about kids taking pictures in lockers and putting them on myspace, or haven't you? Harmless? Really?

I'm sorry, but if a teacher is supervising a test, there's no way in hell he wouldn't see a student cheating with a cell phone. Seriously.

I'm great? Please, don't go there. Complicated lives? How can a high school student have so a complicated life that a cell phone becomes a need forhim/her?

(I know that wasn't directed towards me, but) Didn't you read my post? I'm pretty sure I've proven to you that a petty, little kid in high school can have a "complicated" life.

As I've already explained, I was in their shoes. I understand completely that there is NO NEED for cells, only a WANT for convenience. Do you think I skipped high school and don't know how it was?

Ummmmm.. again, don't be ignorant and don't assume everyone's the same. Where are you from, by the way? What town?

Geez ladies, I'm not saying that it's going to be the end of the world if cells go off, but that it is a distraction. Again I must remind you, this is a debate, don't get all pissy with the I'm-sorry-that-everyone-isn't-as-great shit just because I don't agree with you. If you're this touchy, you might as well think badly of everyone who holds a different opinion than you. Don't have a cow, it's just a debate.

I don't think we're getting pissy.. we just think that you're not considering the other side of things. Sure, there are "kids" who don't need cell phones, but there are some who do :) If you spent your high school years in a small town (which I think you did; I forgot where you lived), you wouldn't really be able to grasp that.

[Spirited Away]

It doesn't matter whether you were talking to me or not; it's a debate and I can respond if I like. Correct me if I'm wrong. And yes, I'm in high school, but I'm not a kid. So when you're 26 and I'm 25, I'd still be a kid to you? Interesting logic. The fact that you're older doesn't give you the right to call me one.
Great. Then we don't have a problem. :)
Well, you are aggressive. And when did I say I was never agressive? :)
Yes. Switch it off, otherwise the teacher should have the right to keep it. It's not that difficult.
I'm sorry, but if a teacher is supervising a test, there's no way in hell he wouldn't see a student cheating with a cell phone. Seriously.
(I know that wasn't directed towards me, but) Didn't you read my post? I'm pretty sure I've proven to you that a petty, little kid in high school can have a "complicated" life.
Ummmmm.. again, don't be ignorant and don't assume everyone's the same. Where are you from, by the way? What town?
I don't think we're getting pissy.. we just think that you're not considering the other side of things. Sure, there are "kids" who don't need cell phones, but there are some who do :) If you spent your high school years in a small town (which I think you did; I forgot where you lived), you wouldn't really be able to grasp that.

... You have the right to respond any way you want to anyone, I was simply informing you that I wasn't "pointing" at you and calling you "hey, kid!" in a degrading way. There's no need to be huffy. And yes, you'd be a kid to me, because you're in high school. If I have a brother who's a year younger than me, he'd be a kid. So, considering that you are four years my junior, it makes sense for me to be able to call you a kid if I want to. That logic works fine with me.

We didn't have a problem at all. I'm confused. Are you or are you not saying that cells are a problem when they disturb people? If they are, and I have said that cell phones do disturb class, what's there for you to disagree with. If you research any where on the net, you can surely find reports of this being a problem.

If by aggressive you mean heated? Yes, yes I am. Most of the time, I take debates seriously because I respect my opposition. To do otherwise would be to demean their efforts and waste both our time. You never said that you were not aggressive but by the same way that you get aggressive over other topics, you should understand why I would be aggressive in this one. No need to ask me as if you don't know why a person would be aggressive over debate.

Complicated life, huh? Are you saying that without a cell phone, you would not be able to deal with your complicated life? How do you think the older generations, meaning people living in the mid 1990s and early 2000 or so, deal with not having a cell phones? I hope you don't think our lives weren't as complicated as yours.

Am I being ignorant? Really? Then we're in the same boat because you're both assuming that I don't know what a "complicated life" would be like, when I've been there, done that. Ignorance is relying on cell phones to solve life's complications.

I love technology. How am I not considering the other side of things? I've experienced not having a cell phone on hand and when I do have it on hand. I know when there's a need and when there's a want for convenience. Whereas, you both can't even "consider" the possibility that cell phones are not "needed" by high schoolers. Ya act like the sky will fall on you if you don't have cell phones. God forbid your batteries die, we'd have a life and death crisis on our hands.

About cheating... Haha! It happens enough that it becomes a problem. You blame teachers for a student being able to cheat on tests. Why don't you blame me for not stoping a gunman from shooting someone in front of me while you're at it? Or say I was the one who didn't stop Bully #1 from randomly kicking another kid on time. Teachers may be able to stop a student from texting or playing games on phones in class temporarily, but students are less likely to have them out at all or they would be worried about phones being taken up if they were banned. Wouldn't that be one less distraction for teachers and students to deal with? Also, you haven't address the problems of mean kids using cell phones to be cruel.

Maybe you weren't pissy, but Infinite was, you can't speak for her. I take "sorry, not everyone is as great as you" as unsolicited pettiness directing at me. *Nods*, that's pissy alright.

Lastly, Houston, Texas isn't that small of a town. Bellaire and Cy-Falls High School were my alma mater, and before you ask, they are not small schools.

[AngelinaTaylor]

... You have the right to respond any way you want to anyone, I was simply informing you that I wasn't "pointing" at you and calling you "hey, kid!" in a degrading way. There's no need to be huffy. And yes, you'd be a kid to me, because you're in high school. If I have a brother who's a year younger than me, he'd be a kid. So, considering that you are four years my junior, it makes sense for me to be able to call you a kid if I want to. That logic works fine with me.

Oh, wait, I see. You calling me "kid" makes you feel good and superior and it gives you a sense that everybody else around you is inferior. I understand. Point taken.

We didn't have a problem at all. I'm confused. Are you or are you not saying that cells are a problem when they disturb people? If they are, and I have said that cell phones do disturb class, what's there for you to disagree with. If you research any where on the net, you can surely find reports of this being a problem.

Cell phones are a problem when they go off in class all the time. But how many times do they go off, really? Once/twice a month? If I remember correctly, the only time a cell phone has gone off in any of my classes, it was in English when we were doing nothing (which means talking with other people). Was it disturbing? No. If it were during actual class, the teacher has the right to take it away and return it at the end of the day. Would the kid keep his cell phone on after that? No. Voila.

If by aggressive you mean heated? Yes, yes I am. Most of the time, I take debates seriously because I respect my opposition. To do otherwise would be to demean their efforts and waste both our time. You never said that you were not aggressive but by the same way that you get aggressive over other topics, you should understand why I would be aggressive in this one. No need to ask me as if you don't know why a person would be aggressive over debate.

I just find it funny how you get aggressive towards this debate. It's cell phones. But, you know, whatever.

Complicated life, huh? Are you saying that without a cell phone, you would not be able to deal with your complicated life? How do you think the older generations, meaning people living in the mid 1990s and early 2000 or so, deal with not having a cell phones? I hope you don't think our lives weren't as complicated as yours.

It's nearly 2007. Not 1990 ;)

Am I being ignorant? Really? Then we're in the same boat because you're both assuming that I don't know what a "complicated life" would be like, when I've been there, done that. Ignorance is relying on cell phones to solve life's complications.

We're not assuming; we're merely stating that you think everybody's like you. Welllllllll, we're not. And I don't want to sound arrogant, but I doubt your life was what my life is now.

I love technology. How am I not considering the other side of things? I've experienced not having a cell phone on hand and when I do have it on hand. I know when there's a need and when there's a want for convenience. Whereas, you both can't even "consider" the possibility that cell phones are not "needed" by high schoolers. Ya act like the sky will fall on you if you don't have cell phones. God forbid your batteries die, we'd have a life and death crisis on our hands.

Great! If you hate cell phones so much, then don't have one. But don't tell other people what to do. It's their life, right? Having a cell phone makes my life much easier. I'm constantly on the move, and it's already hard for people to reach me. So why would I choose to go through all the trouble otherwise, when I have a much better way of doing things? Seems illogical to me.

About cheating... Haha! It happens enough that it becomes a problem. You blame teachers for a student being able to cheat on tests. Why don't you blame me for not stoping a gunman from shooting someone in front of me while you're at it? Or say I was the one who didn't stop Bully #1 from randomly kicking another kid on time.

How is that the same? I'm sorry, but I've never seen or heard of somebody cheating with a cell phone, at least not in my school. It seems ridiculous to me. And yes, a teacher should be able to spot somebody pulling out a cell phone and cheating. A cell phone is not really that small.

Teachers may be able to stop a student from texting or playing games on phones in class temporarily, but students are less likely to have them out at all or they would be worried about phones being taken up if they were banned. Wouldn't that be one less distraction for teachers and students to deal with?

So how about this: during a test, cell phones cannot be in the classroom. Plus, students are already intimidated to have their cell phone out in class, because teachers (in my school at least) do take them sometimes.

Also, you haven't address the problems of mean kids using cell phones to be cruel.

HAHAHAHA.. what? Aww, the big, mean kids are going to use cell phones.. let's ban them! That's a great reason!

Most high school students wouldn't die without a cell phone. But for some of us, it's a LOT easier, and it solves a lot of problems, so.. you could say it's a need.