Cellphones in Schools?

By Bruce S. Cooper & John W. Lee

Cellular telephones are nearly ubiquitous, their numbers possibly surpassing by now those of automobiles. Offering us instant access and instant response, cells are bringing society into greater communication with itself than ever before. But these little devices also pose an interesting problem for schools. In the hands of children and adolescents, they have become objects of serious concern—and the focus of a simmering controversy.

More than a decade ago, for example, the New York City public schools barred students from bringing cellphones to school. But many of the city’s schools ignored the ban, as principals and teachers negotiated ways to deal with the issue in their own buildings. Recently, however, New York City’s mayor and schools chancellor cracked down. As part of a new school safety policy, mobile metal scanners were brought into middle and high schools for unannounced sweeps. Students had their pockets and bags randomly searched for weapons, drugs, and other forbidden objects. Within two weeks, the scanners uncovered a dozen or so knives, some box cutters, a gun, and more than 800 cellphones, which were confiscated.

The case against cellphone use in schools is a legitimate one. With from 25 to 34 students in a classroom (and sometimes more), a steady stream of calls from concerned parents or loquacious friends could easily strain the nerves and break the concentration of teachers and students alike. Just as cellphones have become an increasing problem in churches, cinemas, concert halls, and other public settings, they can also be disruptive,...