A Pew Internet And American Life Project Report

Imagine sitting in a classroom, students all around you on their phones. These devices are not being used to send text messages or go on social media outlets, such as Snapchat, Instagram, or Twitter. Instead, their cell phones are being used to do homework, write papers, or study. According to a Cell Phones in School Timeline, “A Pew Internet and American Life Project report reveals that 45 percent of teenagers own a cellphone” (Cell Phones in School Timeline). This survey was done in 2005. Another survey was collected in 2013 that showed the percentage of teenage students that own cell phones went up about 33 percent in those eight years. It has been four years since the 2013 survey and these percentages keep on climbing rapidly. A majority

Although the American Teacher magazine states, “More and more districts are having to adopt, or adapt, policies regarding students use of cell phones. To make matters worse, phones equipped with cameras, texting capabilities and Internet access have sparked concerns that these options make cheating easier than ever”, cellular devices do not have to be the enemy (The School Bell Isn't the Only Thing Ringing). Teachers should choose to embrace technology in order to benefit their students. Phones can enrich a student’s understanding of technology, as well as their responsibility. As Thierry Karsenti, a Canada Research Chair on Technologies in Education, claimed about students, “‘They were becoming themselves more responsible in those schools where cells were allowed with specific rules because schools help them become more responsible,’ Karsenti said in a telephone interview. ‘Otherwise who's going to help them become more responsible?’” (McQuigge). A school’s purpose is not only to teach students about subjects such as mathematics, literature, science, and social studies, but how to be responsible as well. By trusting students with phones, they have that opportunity. Next, schools also need to educate students about how to properly use technology. Paul Geller, the president of the Countrywide Council of PTA’s, said ”Cellphones, when used as part of a teacher's lesson plan, might help meet the district's technology needs” (George). Again, all students should be taught how to properly use technology, no matter what they may use. Chromebooks, iPads, the list goes on. But cell phones are convenient because a majority of students already own them, which would not add extra expenses for the school district to pay. When kids use technology, it actually helps many of them learn, and gets them interested in STEM careers. A study done by Verizon