Students and their Cell Phones at School

Technology is here for us to use but not to abuse. In my opinion, since cell phone is a product of technology, this can be used but the user needs to be responsible. Bringing cell phones at school is fine, so long as, the students bringing those were taught on the proper use of it. This is where the parents and teachers come in the picture. If you see, as a parent, that your child is responsible enough to have a cell phone, then, it's okay to have him/her bring it to school. This serves a lot of purpose, anyway.

First, kids should know what cell phones are for. We need to educate our kids about the importance of cell phones and why they were created. We can tell them that it's simply made for us to easily communicate anytime and anywhere (as long as signal is available).

Second, kids need to know the value of cell phones. This is letting your kids know that a cell phone as a device is costly and to keep its services is more costly. By telling the kids on how much it is to maintain a cell phone and its services, they will realize how valuable it is, and will take care of it as well. It would also help if you show them the actual figure by letting them see the paper bill.

Third, teach them on how to take care of their cell phone so it won't get damaged easily, and won't get lost or stolen. You can also give them accessories like cell phone case, protector, etc.

Fourth, hand them over the responsibility. Let them think that it's their own personal property, and that they need to protect.

Fifth, teach them on how to properly use it. By letting them know what are the "Phonethics" (phone ethics), they will be aware on when and how to use their cell phones properly. Phonethics include turning their phones in mute or vibrating mode when class is on; ask permission from their teacher/professor before using their cell phones to answer an important call; do not use their phones if class is on; etc.