Some teachers do not mind if students use cell phones during school hours but most teachers treat personal electronic devices like an illegal substance. Either way, cell phones can be thought of as a tool to do good or evil. A recent social issue in schools is cyber bulling with text messaging. Schools have various ways in handling the problem, but what about my school?
I asked multiple students, teachers, and administrators what they think would happen if a student in our district was caught bullying another student by text messaging using a cell phone during school hours. After some class discussion most students believed that the offending student would have to talk to our assistant principal. The resulting discipline was unclear. Student opinion varied from suspension to a warning. The most disturbing part of the conversation was that the majority of students admitted to never thinking about the consequences. Even with no supporting statistics, this would lead many to believe it is a common occurrence. Teacher belief was much more homogonous. They believed that the student would be sent to our well-respected and feared assistant principal. They believed the resulting consequence would be detention or suspension. In the end, virtually all staff and students agreed the bully would be sent to our AP.
I explained the situation to our assistant principal and he referred to the “behavioral consequence chart” and pointed out that the student’s parents would be contacted. He also expressed his deep hate for students who intimidate, harass, or belittle other students. He went on to say he would also suspend the student for 3-10 days, give them 7-14 community service hours. He also pointed out that the any student using their cell phone during school hours would have their phone confiscated. First time offenders for a week, and repeat offenses are for a month. He routinely comes under fire for taking student cell phones and keeping them for extended periods. Parents have even come into school demanding they give them the cell phone. Surprisingly, he has won every battle. Parents have a hard time fighting back after he points out the policy in the student handbook that was signed by the parent and student in the beginning of the year.
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As cell phones have changed and their varied applications that are available has resulted in the evolution of how administration views and manages the cell phone debate. Going from the usual- "don't let me see that cell phone", why in the world do these kids need a cell phone" to having it second nature, we have picked our battles and cell phones are no longer one of them unless they are used for texting purposes.
ReplyDeleteCell phones thats a topic that come up every year in the middle school. Are policy for cell phones are that they are to leave them in their locker and not bring them to class. If they are caought in class with them the teacher can take them and keep them for how ever long they want. When I catch them in class I will keep them until the end of the day and tell them next time I will send the phone to the office and then they have to talk with the adminastative assistant and that could lead to a detention. As for the bullying part they would get pretty much the same thing that your assistant principle said if not more.
ReplyDeleteOur policy is similar to Pete's school. The first time a teacher usually just takes the phone until the end of the hour, but we have to report it to the principal. The second time the principal gets the phone. I can't remember all of the procedure, but it is taken for a varying length of time depending on the number of the offense. I don't understand how everyone can afford these, but almost everyone seems to have one. Just recently my 10 1/2 year-old-granddaughter asked her mom for one. At the moment, the answer is still no. The times they are a-changing!
ReplyDeleteAll electronic devices such as cell phones, ipods, and mp3 players are not allowed to be seen or heard after the first class begins at our school. If the cell phone or ipod, etc., is being used, the teacher is required to take the device to the Assistant Principal's office. The Assistant Principal has a form on a clipboard for the teacher to record the student's name, and the device is then left in a container. The student has to meet with the Assistant Principal at the end of the day to retrieve the device. We have had great success with this practice, as the students don't want to have to face "the Man".
ReplyDeleteI understand why you were surprised by the students not thinking about the consequences to this bullying issue. I too have asked my students about this issue and have heard the same answer from them. They seem to not think that they will get into trouble for having cell phones on in school let alone because they were bullying someone with them. Our district has now started the no cell phone policy of it not being seen or heard too. If it is it is taken to the office for a parent to be picking it up to get it back. Seems to be working so far this year.
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