An Article on The Use of Mobile Phones in Educational Institutions

The use of cell phones in schools is an enduring debate that is occasioned by the development of modern technology. The emergence of cell phones in the world has made communication between people extremely easy and of less cost and time. Considerably, students turn the use of mobile phones to their advantage. Today the majority of those studying at educational establishments have cellular phones even though they are prohibited. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the reasons why the use of cell phones by students in schools should not be allowed. In addition, it will explore why other people may have a different approach to the issue and offer a possible solution (Daley, 2001, p. 87).

The effects of the cell phone usage by schoolchildren are crucial to their educational abilities. Students should not be allowed to use mobile phones in schools because this gadget is a veritable distraction from learning activities. These devices provide free access to the Internet. Considerably, the use of the Internet is a massive diversion from any activity because of the vast amount of information it provides. If students are allowed to use mobile phones, then it means that education will lose its primacy. Moreover, there should not be made any amendments to the process of studying and evaluation depending on whether the person is surfing the Internet or not (Partin, 2009, p. 147). The Internet is highly addictive, especially for the young students who are always craving to learn something new.

The health of students is at risk if the use of cell phones in schools is permitted. Cases of nearsightedness are likely to increase among students owing to the great concentration on the small screen. The radiation emitted from mobile phones not only worsens the sight but also is likely to increase skin cancer. In addition, the use of cell phones by students in schools leads to various bad consequences including problems with studying and social collisions. For instance, cheating in exams is a common practice during the educational process today. In addition, the accomplishment of homework by students will not be efficient since the cell phones are likely to give an answer to any question. Moreover, the exchange of short abusive messages among students may lead to fights between gangs. The safety of the cell phone usage in schools is not yet guaranteed. Thefts of cell phones among students will lead to conflicts in schools (Deley & Dahlie, 2001, p. 121). Therefore, crime rates in the school organization will increase leading to insecurity.

However, different people may have different points of view considering this issue. The reason for giving permission for students to use cell phones in schools is the speed of information exchange among students and parents. It also allows students to be technologically advanced citizens. Through the new technology of sending and receiving money through mobile phones students are able get access to this service when they require financial support from parents (Daley, 2001, p. 110). The adoption of new school policy which allows students to use cellular phones for their education is feasible only in the case of its reasonable usage. On the contrary, the use of mobile phones is likely to be a way of students’ wealth exposition through expensive phones that will insult poor students.

In conclusion, it is crucial to mention that the use of cell phones is an issue that requires a multi-criteria approach. This involves the various problems that students are likely to face. Therefore, allowing the use of mobile phones in schools will be a complex and time-consuming process in terms of tightening security and making strict regulations of exam taking (Watkins, 2001, p. 79). For this reason, cell phones should not be allowed in schools as they are going to greatly destruct administration of education.