Should Kids Be Allowed to Have Phones at School?

Just like their parents, kids also use their smartphones to stay connected with friends. With the average age for kids getting their first phone just 10.3 years old, kids with their own phones seem to be getting younger and younger.

I got both my girls their first phones when they reached middle school age, because they walked or bussed to school by themselves. I felt safer knowing we could contact each other, or they could contact friends they were meeting up with, if needed.

I never really put much thought into what my kids would do with their phones once they arrived at school. It wasn’t my intent that they use their phones while in class, but where would they keep their phones when not in use?

Before high school and lockers with combinations, kids are expected to hang their coats and bags on hooks in common areas. Where does that leave an expensive phone?

Unfortunately, for teachers in many classrooms, it leaves the phones with the kids, serving as huge distractions, or with the teachers, locked away in the teachers’ desk drawers until afternoon dismissal, an extra duty for classroom teachers to perform.

In my district, the issue has made the news, with parents and educators wondering (debating?) what the best solution is. Frankly, I’m at a loss. I don’t want my child playing with her phone when she should be learning, but I do want her to have her phone on her for her walk to, and from, school. I don’t know what I would offer up as a solution, if asked.

What do you think? Should cellphones be permitted to be brought to school? Does it put an unfair burden on teachers and staff at school?

Featured image photo credit:Wavebreakmedia/Thinkstock

Natalie Rea

Mom to two amazing daughters - a feisty teen in middle school, and an ambitious young adult in university. Originally from Montréal's West Island, I now explore the beautiful trails of Hamilton, Ontario. Proud Canadian, vegetarian, dog-adopter, & bleeding-heart liberal. I smile a lot because I have Resting Bitch Face.