Limited Cell Phones Permitted

A Tennessee school is actually handing out cell phones to selected students.

Jan 9, 2007

While some schools are banning cell phones in schools, Nashville, TN administrators are handing out cell phones to student leaders at school expense. Why?

The Rationale

Students often see trouble brewing before a situation actually happens. Administrators may not be where the action is at the time. So, in a large school, how can students prevent violence? What if they could alert administration of dangers before the event became a major disruption? Nashville administration is attempting to encourage students to talk to principals to keep the school environment safe and conducive for learning. Jaime Sarrio of The Tennessean explains this experiment.

Who Gets the Phones?

Students selected to be on the Metro's student advisory council are the only ones allowed to use cell phones during the school day. Three are selected per high school with possibly up to 50 phones being used in the city's schools.

And, The Other Students?

Other students may bring cell phones to school but may not use them during the school day. No text messaging and no sending photos. Other schools, such as New York City, do not allow cell phones in school at all.

Student Requirements

How are students selected for receiving a cell phone? Class presidents could be selected or student council members. But, average students showing good leadership could also be chosen. Students are encouraged to talk to each other to discuss potential problems, plan meetings and, of course, phone in potential problems.

The Cost

Ralph Thompson, Asst. Superintendent, says the phones cost $11 to $15 per cell phone, per month. The maximum cost per month is $390 for the minutes. The Cricket phone company donated the phones. It is hoped to have local businesses help with the other expenses.

No, Thanks

Not everyone thinks this is a great idea. James Evans, spokesman for the Rutherford district, says there are no plans to allow cell phones in the district. "There's too many issues with camera phones in locker rooms and cheating on tests."

Dave Burton, director of safety for Wilson County Schools, thinks there are better ways to keep violence down in schools. "Obviously, they're a bigger school system, but I just don't see where that is going to be a very successful deterrent or safety measure today when technology is so readily available for those students," he said. "Also, if another student sees this one calling, he may be seen as a reporter, and that may also have some negative implications for that student."

The Origin

This cell phone idea is not original to Nashville. The idea came from administrators in Chattanooga who first tried cell phones and were happy with the results.

Three cell phones per large high school is not very many. And, it is quite probable that student leaders may be taking classes less likely to have problems within the classrooms. But, we will wait and see what the results will be. At least they are trying new ideas and being proactive.

The copyright of the article Limited Cell Phones Permitted in Classroom Issues is owned by Barbara Pytel. Permission to republish Limited Cell Phones Permitted in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

May 14, 2008 7:03 AM

Guest :

i need reasons why people should be able to have phones at school

Sep 25, 2008 12:36 PM

Guest :

Cell phones are cool and should be allowed!

Oct 30, 2008 6:25 AM

Guest :

I agree with this to a certain exstent. The cost is way to much. I pay like what $100 a month, around there. Over $300 is wayyyyyy to much. =]

Nov 10, 2008 9:29 AM

Guest :

Where and when did this happen in Chattanooga? My child just had their phone taken away for having it out at lunch to check the time. First time 10 school days,really 14 days because of weekends. Why punish everyone for what a few may do with their phones.It seems school is one of the places you can be punished before a crime!

Nov 20, 2008 11:09 AM

Guest :

Students should be able to use cellular phones in school only for certain classes, to take notes in classes, students can listen to music with their headphones if the cell phone is able to use mp3 with this option during independent study many students find it relaxing and comfortable and are more productive as a result. Students can take pictures of class projects to e-mail or show to parents. Parents do not see projects that are completed in groups in school because either student’s don’t feel like taking them home or their teacher takes them to keep. Also if students are slower than other students of taking notes they can just take pictures of them and study them for test.

Jan 5, 2009 3:52 PM

Guest :

Cell phones should be allowed in school and with that if you abuse the right to have a cell phone in school than YOU should be punished not everyone else for your mistake.