Cell phone use in schools has become a controversial topic. While prevalent in peoples’ daily lives, cell phones can be a distraction for students in class. The opinions of students’ parents can help schools create an effective cell phone policy.

When six parents of LS students were asked their opinions, a common theme was present: cell phones are a huge part of society today, and children must learn how to use them appropriately. Kim Goldman, a parent within the LS community, states, “Cell phones are a requirement in this life for everyone to learn how to use them responsibly, and when our kids are getting prepared to go to college where there will be nobody to observe their use of cell phones. High school is an opportunity to teach them good skills so that they know how to operate in that world when they don’t have the oversight that exists.” A total ban on cell phones would take away the opportunity of teaching these good skills to students so that they can successfully navigate proper cell phone use in the real world.   

Although most parents do not support a full ban on cell phones at school, they acknowledge how cell phones can be a problem in classrooms. All parents who were interviewed believed that there should be restrictions on cell phones during class time in order to prevent distractions from learning. Furthermore, most parents interviewed believed that it is not necessary to prohibit cell phones outside of class time, as cell phones allow students to communicate with their family and friends. These important conversations should continue, and, hopefully, will lead to a practical and successful cell phone policy in schools.