As I was home over Easter break last week, I noticed how many young children have cell phones. I could not comprehend what a ten-year-old would need a cell phone for. They should not be going places that their parents don't know, so they shouldn't need to 'check in' with their parents. They should always be with a parent or guardian so they should not have to call their parents when they need a ride from the movies or the mall. I found an article on msnbc.com from 2004 that stated in 2000 only 5% of 13 to 17 year old had a cell phone. That number jumped to 56% in 2004. In today's world, about 22% of 6 to 9 year olds have a cell phone, 60% of 10 to 14 year olds have them and 84% of 15 to 18 year olds own cell phones. I find these numbers incredibly high. I am not sure these numbers are great for schools. Students at the age of 6 do not need to worry about whether or not they have a new text message during the day, they need to worry about learning the English language and what 5 + 8 equals. I think cell phones in elementary school would be nothing but trouble. Although they could have some potential in being helpful, children that age are not mature and responsible enough for things like that. In middle school and high school, cell phones could possibly be used for (if they have Internet) research and finding answers during the class. However, not everyone has cell phones with Internet and no cell phone has JUST Internet. Cell phones are just a huge distraction for schools...at any age.
image source msnbc.com author of New York Times
No comments:
Post a Comment