Cracking down on cellular use at school

It's all about technology.

The world's technology is developing at a rate that we can barely keep up to. Electronics are becoming more advanced and possessions that were unheard of 10 years ago are now the big thing. Basically, this column is about cell phones.

Most students will say they've been in a classroom when a cell phone has rang. Those same students will recall how many students they've seen texting in class, regardless of the lesson that's taking place. Years ago, this wouldn't have been an issue. Today, it's a regular occurrence.

Cell phones can be very handy, especially in the event of an emergency. However, they can also create a problem, notably when used in school.

At Innisdale Secondary School, the rules are laid out very clearly. It's simple, cell phones are prohibited in classes and hallways.

According to Harry Stegenga, vice principal of Innisdale, he catches about 15 students per week failing to abide by the cell phone rules. And that's not including the students who are caught by other staff members.

He says the discipline depends on the student's attitude when they're caught, and exactly where the violation occurs. In class, discipline begins with a detention and phone call home. After three or more incidents, students are at risk for suspension.

When it comes to the hallways, it always begins with a friendly reminder of the rules. If they've been caught multiple times, he often disciplines them by making students clean the hallways or cafeteria, in addition to detention.

It seems obvious to some students that cell phones use should be avoided in class, however some question why it's prohibited in the hallways. Quite often, this rule prevents disruptions and cheating, since many students can be on a lunch or break, while others are in class, at any given time throughout the day. There's also the issue of privacy. Many cell phones now include the camera feature, which could lead to unwanted photos being taken.

Despite the warnings and reasoning, students are still repeatedly disciplined for cell phone use. Stegenga's says students are only being caught about 50 per cent of the time a cell phone is used at school; they also assume the text or call is too important to wait. Others simply forget about the rule. When we get a message, we want to read it, but sometimes it needs to wait.

It's become clear that cell phones have changed the student population. But is it for better, or worse? Although it's developed a stronger connection between those who have possession of a cell phone, it's also created a divide with those who don't. There's also the conflict of tone. When it comes to texting, it isn't always clear what tone the person is writing in. Depending on the words, the tone can be misinterpreted into something far from what was meant.

In my opinion, the outcome of cell phone use depends on the user. Making the decision about when and where to use it can make the difference between a positive outcome and a negative one.

Students should make the right decision; cleaning the cafeteria is not worth a useless text.