Cell Phones and School

[kybearfuzz]

Today I went to lunch solo. It happens on occasion when everyone else is out. I bought a newspaper and watched a painful Showcase Showdown at Skyline. I hate to say it, but Drew Carey isn't doing well on "The Price is Right." He has no energy, everything he comments on is flat, even when reading the cost of the showcase. I feel he lacks the showmanship that Bob was famous for, but I digress...

I read an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer about the local ACLU being concerned that a local high school is reading the text messages from cell phones confiscated from students during class. The ACLU claims this violates the students' First Amendment rights, the school says that they are not reading the messages except in rare occasions when something shady seems to be going on.

The First Amendment excuse wouldn't have flown back in the day of passing notes between students in class, so I question whether this form of communication is any different. Any thoughts?

Comments

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I agree that it is an invasion of the student's privacy to do so. I certainly don't have a problem with the school confiscating the cell phones when the school has a no cell phone policy in class.

I guess I am surprised that it has gotten so far with the ACLU to take up the cause. If I found out my child was texting or receiving texts in class, I'd have more issues with him or her than the teachers. If I found the school was reading them, I'd probably use that as a lesson to my kid that he/she should not be using the cell phone at school.

It can get complicated I guess.

[cincycub.livejournal.com]

From what I read it seemed to have been blown out of proportion, but who knows nowadays. Kids are liars, schools are scaredy-cats, and media coverage is like a tennis match ;)

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Every now and then I see my old teachers and they tell me that things are much different than they were when we were in high school.

I think schools are more cautious about taking actions against students for fear of being sued, yet they understand that they are responsible for the kids' well-being while they are in school. It's a catch-22 of sorts.

I tend to put the blame largely on some parents who are missing the opportunity to teach the kids responsibility about the privilege of having their own cell. The article says it doesn't happen often (the taking of the cell), so it makes me think it's a small number of students.

[spatts5.livejournal.com]

I agree with you with the comparison between "passing notes" and texting while in class. I have no problem with the school reading the text messages (with the horrible things happening in schools today, it may save a life or two). I think the school should make the parents come and pick up the confiscated phone.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Oooh.. I like that idea. I'm sure the parents would make a fuss, but it likely stop the cell problem a bit. I'm sure Mr. or Mrs. Jones would not enjoy making multiple stops to pick up little Brittannee's phone (odd spelling intentional).

[spatts5.livejournal.com]

Oh golly, what a silly idea, having the parents take part in disciplining their own children ... what is this world coming to?

[carytown.livejournal.com]

I'm still trying to figure out why it's necessary for a kid to have a phone at school period. Geez, as liberal as I label myself, I'd be the parent-from-hell.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

My 12-year-old nephew has one, but my sister makes him leave it at home while he's at school. He takes it with him when he goes out with his friends only. Personally, I"m with you, I wouldn't get one for my kid until he or she was at least driving.

[digibob.livejournal.com]

What? Who cares about civil rights?! You don't think Drew Carey is doing well on TPIR? I've only seen a couple of episodes since he took over, but I beg to differ. I saw the episode this clip appeared on and I have to say I've never watch TPIR and laughed before now:

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Well, I admit that I haven't seen a full episode yet, but he seems rather flat. He doesn't seem to be the showman and I guess I miss that.

[cubtharsis.livejournal.com]

Ergh! Cell Phones and the ACLU!

Working at a school where cell phones are actually banned I deal with more calls from parents about why it is a necessity that their kid have a phone, or why I have no right to make them come in to get their kids phone after I have confiscated it who knows how many times already. I actually had a father tell me I was putting his kid in danger if I didn't let him have access to his phone during school hours because he might miss an important life threatening instruction from him...needless to say most times there is a reason my kids are in alternative school. That being said...allow me to share a quick cell phones in school story.

One of my least favorite students of all times comes into school saying you won't believe what so and so is doing on the bus for laffy taffy...To which I respond I don't think I want to know, go to class. To which he responds no you want to know look at my cell phone that you just took...To which I stupidly do to see a young girls bare chest...Doh!

When I call mom in for a conference she yells at daughter...to which daughter responds, "So Mom you show your tits for singles at the strip club!" ...has to be one of the most awkward parent conferences of my life.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I'm surprised that parents are not more supportive of the school not allowing a cell phone. So how many times, I wonder, has the father called his son in a life or death situation? What a load of crap!

And the stripper mom? Hilarious! I would be shocked if she could continue speaking after that. The girl really got her there.