Schools and Cell Phones Can Be a Volatile Mix

Nowhere has the debate over cell phones in schools been more acute than in New York City, which banned phones outright last year. And if you think kids were more annoyed than parents, guess again.

The NYC council has voted, however, to allow school children to carry cell phones to and from school, a big change. Last year, cell phones were confiscated by school officials if they were found on a student, whether they were being used in school or not. Parents complained that they want their children to have phones so they can contact each other when needed before and after school hours.

The policy change in New York City is a good reminder for parents to check out your school districts' policies regarding cell phones—and other expensive gadgets, while you're at it. If kids are heading to school each day with the privilege of having a cell phone, an iPod, or other gadgets they may have tucked in their backpacks, they should be clear on what the rules are and they should follow them. School officials are wary of cell phones for good reason. Many have built-in cameras, and have been used to cheat, and, sometimes, to bully students. 

Policies do vary, but most schools follow the one our school district has adopted: Students are allowed to bring cell phones to school so they can communicate with parents or guardians after school. But the phones are not allowed to be used in school, even during lunch or study halls. If a student is found using a cell phone, it is confiscated.

• The first time, she'll get it back at the end of the day.

• Second time, it will be returned only to a parent/guardian at a conference with school officials.

• Third time? Same thing, plus two Saturday detentions.

• And if there's a fourth time, count on a three-day suspension from school.

Outright bans don't really work, but the fact is, school rules are often flouted when it comes to cell phone use and it's difficult for school officials to keep tabs on every student. What's working—or not working—in your kids' school districts?

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