OPINION

By Ava Belair, editor     

     The debate over cell phone bans has not only reached a high nationwide; but, has become a relevant topic in Monroe County. Many schools in Monroe County including Monroe,    Summerfield, Dundee, have all implemented a phone ban policy for students. Seeing as the issue of cell phone restrictions are becoming more relevant locally, our Media staff would like to formally say we believe that cell phone restrictions should be left to the discretion of teachers. 

     It is argued by students and some teachers that smart phones are a useful tool in the classroom. Cell phones in school can be used to play engaging games, help raise participation in class, and will prepare students for a career where cellphones are necessary. Not only are they used for certain learning apps, but they also do not block information on search engines. Many times when students are simply trying to find an article or watch an educational video for class, the site is blocked by the district. If a student needs to use that information for an assignment, then they must contact Internet Technology so they can manually unblock the site. 

     As well as being a useful tool in the classroom, smartphones also provide students and parents with a sense of security. It isn’t unreasonable for a parent to want to be in contact with their child while they are in school; especially given the thousands of school shootings that have occurred in the U.S. Why shouldn’t a parent want to be able to contact their child when they are the ones paying for a phone for safety purposes? Not to mention, school has become a place where students do not always feel safe. For most students, just being able to have their cell phone put away but where they can still see it makes them feel secure if there were to be a threat. If parents are not able to get in contact with their children when there is an emergency, then chaos will break out. 

     The most recent and relevant example was when students at Mason Senior High School were told to be taught in place during period 6 this Sept. 11. Parents received a message from the school saying there had been a threat; but, students and teachers had no idea what was going on. The parents who were contacted but hadn’t heard from their kids yet became frantic. Eventually, students were released and the situation was handled. However, what if the situation had been serious? What if that was the last day that some unlucky parents ever got to speak to their children? Would a cell phone ban prevent a student from sharing their last goodbyes with family and friends? It never seems as serious until it is you, your child, or your family member in the situation. 

     Some may argue that smart phones are a distraction to students; however, one could argue that throughout the years, every new technology has been labeled a distraction by out of touch adults who don’t know what life is like as a student in more modern times.