Submitted by Tony Athas, Jan 7, 2008 23:15

Maybe not. But when calculators came out it was cool to have one even though they were not allowed in class (20 years ago). Or when the 'walkman' came out. These fads are part of the evolution of school age kids in our culture. Instead of banning them and making it cool to somehow evade detection why can't there be a compromise?
1. Schools could allow students to bring them to school if they agree to check them at the door. Administrators get enthusiastic students to participate in a myriad of other bogus activities (selling candy, pretzels, solicitation, etc.) why can't they give kids who need to serve 'community service" or receive extra credit the job of cell phone checkers. If most kids check their phones there can be much more serious consequences for violators.
2. I am sure if cell companies could charge a few extra bucks they would develop a feature that allows a parent to turn off his child's phone's ability to call or text all but a couple of numbers during school hours.

As a parent I want my kids to have a cell phone at all times. Do they need cell phones? No. But instead of trying to ban technology that the kids and most parents want why not try to use technology to cut down on their 30 pound backpacks.

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