Georgia School Shooting May Accelerate the Backlash to Cellphone Bans by Sancha Gray

tavastep — 2024-09-16 22:36:55 UTC

I believe students should have access to their phones just like the teachers. In the school I am student teaching at, you never see a teacher without their cellphone. Just like teachers, students do have things going on at home and it’s just easier for them to communicate with their parents. I do agree that they should be put away during instructional time and only used for emergencies. If this student in Georgia did text their parent about what was happening, the parent would of never known if their child was safe.

sinchese — 2024-09-16 22:37:03 UTC

After reading the article I was very surprised by the amount of school shootings that had occurred the past years. I was to understand why prohibiting phones in the classroom was a big deal for parents but I was also able to understand how is could also affect students not only in their education but also for their safety when following school instruction in case of emergencies.

boyljack — 2024-09-16 22:38:41 UTC

The article made a good point in saying that parents trying to get in touch with their child during an emergency can actually be more dangerous, but I also agree with the parents concern with wanting to be able to get in touch with their child.

simoesb — 2024-09-16 22:39:57 UTC

Personally, I do not agree with the cell phone ban in schools. I can understand where the schools are coming from however, if I was ever involved in a shooting I would want the chance to send what could be final messages. I would want to be able to keep my family updated on what is going on and if I’m okay. I feel lack of being able to get to a cell phone only makes parents worry more which can cause more of a riot.

deannamasucci — 2024-09-16 22:40:19 UTC

I find it interesting that student access to cellphones may make an emergency even more dangerous. It is obvious that students are likely to reach for their cellphones in an emergency situation to reach out to those whom they love, yet it had never occurred to me that that could be the cause for a missed direction. When that was spelled out in this article and it was eye opening to me. I understand why parents would want to have a lifeline to their child, but it’s also important to see how dangerous it could be. This article helped me to see both perspectives, which can be difficult as neither a student in a grade level classroom or a parent, to put myself in their shoes.

redzinan — 2024-09-16 22:40:23 UTC

I think this article gives good insight on why schools should not ban cellphones, however, I think it’s extremely important to talk to the students about acceptable times a cellphone should or should not be used. I don’t think schools should ban cellphones completely in cases of emergencies, but students should be responsible enough to not use cellphones for pleasure and distraction, rather, it should only be used for educational purposes or emergencies. In certain circumstances where the student needs to contact their family or emergency services, they should be able to do that and not have their phones locked in a box.

LashaeJones — 2024-09-16 22:40:35 UTC

I feel as though there should be specific rules in place in the classrooms regarding cell phone use. Some teachers may find it best to have phones silenced in the room, while others may feel that students should have phones turned off and in their bags. I also feel secure, as a parent, knowing that in an emergency, I can make sure my child is safe without having to rush to their school.

solorzanokarina1 — 2024-09-16 22:41:02 UTC

I do believe student’s should be able to have a cell phone in school so in situations like this they are able to communicate with their parents. However I have seen instances where some teachers collect cellphones so they’re not distracting in class or they ask students to leave them in their backpacks and they’re able to get them back at the end of the school day. I know how important it is for parents to be able to get a hold of their child during a traumatic time like this.

singhshi — 2024-09-16 22:41:24 UTC

After reading this article I believe students should have access to their phones. Many parents and critics argue that such bans cut off a critical line of communication during emergencies, such as school shootings. In this case, students used their phones to send potentially final messages to their loved ones, highlighting how essential phones can be during life-threatening situations. As a teacher, student, and child if something was to go wrong the first thing I would want to do is communicate with my parents to let them know about what is going on.

2024-09-16 22:41:25 UTC

I believe there should be restrictions on phone use during school. They should be allowed to have it during recess & lunch. Cell phone use is a distraction & children should be limited to the amount of screen time they have in school & outside of school. After reading the article as a future educator, I need to think rationally about how students may not know how to properly reach out to their parents during a serious & life threading event & those actions can cause more harm than good. As a future parent, not being able to contact my child or loved ones during a stressful event would shatter me. I’m torn from both perspectives but I’m a much more rational thinker.

2024-09-16 22:41:54 UTC

Cynthia lol

2024-09-16 22:43:26 UTC

As a parent, reading the article makes me very concerned for the day my child attends school and I am not able to contact her directly. I understand why it’s not a good idea for my child to use her phone in school but there needs to be a direct line of communication with the teacher then, in an emergency situation. There needs to be a direct line of communication if my child is not able to reach me directly in an emergency situation.

kishgi — 2024-09-16 22:46:49 UTC

This was a tough article to read. I see more and more rules like this being set in place and precautionary measures being taken from not allowing kids to wear light up shoes to parents having their children practice laying down and essentially “playing dead.” It is truly unfortunate that this is now another thing we need to take into consideration, but I do agree that cell phones should not be allowed. I understand why parents would want to be able to contact their child, but in order for students to be as safe as possible I believe there is no room for cellphones in schools/in classrooms.

schirrde — 2024-09-16 22:48:06 UTC

I believe students should have access to their cellphones for emergencies. One strategy I think may be effective is the implementation of cellphone pockets in classrooms. Students can have access to their phones during lunch and free periods. There should be clear expectations for emergencies where students can contact parents only after the proper authorities have arrived. Parents concerns and worries are valid but safety should be a priority during emergency situations. Students don’t need to be mistaken as reporters and put in more danger for being seen with a phone in an emergency situation.