The issue of cell phone use in schools is becoming increasingly important. This debate has gained significant attention due to increased cell phone problems. There are reasons why cell phones should be allowed in school and also reasons why they should be banned. The point that comes up the most about why cell phones should be allowed is safety reasons. A reason why they should be banned is distractions. However, solutions exist to this problem that satisfy both sides. 

Students’ use of phones has increased significantly in recent years. There is now more schoolwork online, which students have to adapt to. The shift from paper to online assignments during the COVID-19 pandemic has changed students’ perspectives on schoolwork. Phones are used in schools for various reasons, including school activities and tools like calculators for quick math problems. They can also be used for group work with other students. Students have intuitive learning and comfort when it comes to technology because they grew up with it. Allowing students to have their cell phones in school helps with establishing boundaries with digital citizenship. This forces students to have a positive screen time limit. This ensures that students are not dependent on their cell devices. The primary reason why some people are adamant about allowing students to have their phones in school is for safety. This is a topic on the minds of students, faculty, and parents. Students have a sense of security being able to communicate with their parents for any safety issues that may arise.

There are several reasons why people want cell phones banned in schools. Distractions are major when it comes to school. It’s disrespectful for teachers when students are not listening to them and are on their devices. Cell phones create lots of distractions even if they’re not from a person’s phone. It can be the person beside them using their phone. Some students also believe that they can multitask. This is a misconception because we can’t multitask. There needs to be social appropriateness when in school. This isn’t when a student is in history class and bursts out laughing because of their cell phone while the teacher is teaching. 

There are ways to satisfy both sides of this situation. One possible solution is to create designated phone zones for students. There can be specific areas or times during the day when phone use is allowed. This will allow students to use their phones for personal use without disrupting class time.  In class, phones could be allowed with clear restrictions, such as being used only for educational purposes. A rule could be implemented where phones are used only for educational purposes in class. Combining these solutions, there can be respect for personal space for technology and a focused learning environment. Kamryn Bloom says, “I feel like phones are fine in school and classes, but it also comes to a certain extent. Some people will have their phones out constantly when a teacher is teaching, and then they say something, but the student continues to do it. When that happens, I feel like the teacher should take the phone,