What Are the Benefits of Cell Phones in School?

Cell phones can be a distraction during class but that does not mean cell phones should be banned from schools. Cell phones have become a necessity for many people, and as manufacturers add more features, they have become even more useful. Used properly, cell phones can actually help students succeed in school.

Should kids have their phones at school?

Parental Contact

Parents can contact students anytime if the student has a cell phone. Even if the school does not allow calls during school hours, parents can leave a text message or voice mail that the student will receive after class.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, such as school closing early because of inclement weather, students can reach their parents quickly. Without students carrying their own cell phones, the school office would have to spend a great deal of time calling each parent to let them know that an emergency had occurred.

Calendar

The calendar on a cell phone allows students to enter homework assignments and due dates. Having all their homework information stored in the phone could mean it is more likely they will remember to get it all done.

Calculator

Most phones come with a calculator. Because many high school courses require a calculator, having one in the phone means one less item for the student to carry. Plus, teens are glued to their phones so they are much less likely to forget their calculators in math class.

Internet Access

The Internet can be distracting to students during school hours, but it is also a powerful research tool. Many schools cannot afford Internet access in each classroom. Having access on a cell phone means students can work on projects and get research done during study halls or group work sessions.

References

• Thoughts on Cell Phones in School