Cell Phones In School
Who doesn’t have a cell phone these days? The amazing thing about cell phones is that they are
no longer just used for calling or texting. They have become an indispensable multi-tool wonder. Today’s
cell phone is cutting-edge technology at your fingertips. With this in mind, should students be permitted
to use cell phones in school? I believe they should not just be permitted to use cell phones; they should
be required to use them. Cell phones don’t just allow students to stay connected with family and
friends, they are also an excellent learning resource, and they encourage the responsible use of
technology.
To begin with, cell phones make it possible for students to stay in touch with family and friends.
A student can call home and ask a family member to bring them a forgotten assignment or lunch money
or to come pick them up if they are sick. Also, cell phones allow parents to keep track of their children’s
whereabouts before, during, and after school. In a recent study, 71% of parents whose children had cell
phones felt safer about their child’s whereabouts when they were away from them. Students can also
connect with friends, but not just because it’s a fun thing to do; my teacher asks us to text or email our
friends when they are absent to let them know what’s going on in class and to inform them of any
homework. When used responsibly, a cell phone can be an excellent communication tool.
Also, cell phones – especially smart phones – are a fabulous learning resource. Students can use
tools such as the calculator, the map finder, and the calendar. I’ve used my cell phone in Math and
Social Studies and to keep track of my homework. My science teacher lets us use our smart phones to
do research when we are doing group work or working on a project. For example, when we did a project
in Social Studies, I used my cell phone to research information about resources that were traded in
Ancient Mesopotamia. Plus there are lots of great learning websites – including essay-writing websites –
we can use to supplement the learning in class. Cell phones are a quick and easy way to incorporate
technology in the classroom.
Finally, cell phones encourage the responsible use of technology. Students can learn when and
how to use their cell phones to enhance their learning. Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, says “Students
can learn when and how to use their cell phones to enhance their learning.” They will become more
independent in their work and more motivated to learn. Almost 100% of students say they like being
allowed to make choices, and they understand consequences. If a student is texting when he/she should
be paying attention to the teacher, the teacher should take the cell phone temporarily away. By allowing
the use of cell phones, students will feel like they are being treated like responsible young adults, and
they will appreciate that. If teachers are patient, understanding, and consistent, students will surely
become responsible users of technology.
In conclusion, people who oppose the use of cell phones in school do it because of the
disruptions and distractions cell phones can cause. But we must accept that we live in a world of
technology and that cell phones are an important and very useful part of that world. We miss out if we

fail to take advantage of the educational power of the cell phone. All in all, cell phones improve
communication, provide learning resources, and encourage appropriate use of technology. Teachers and
administrators must find ways to incorporate this excellent multi-tool in our schools. As you’ve learned
from this essay, it’s really not that difficult. Let’s make the most of the hi-tech world we are living in!