Thursday, June 16, 2022

A Reader Writes on New Lauderdale Phone Policy






Let me start by saying that I do NOT know enough about Jerry Hill to be a fan or not of his; however, I do agree that cell phones should not be allowed to be used during the school day by students or teachers (unless the teacher is on a break). Teachers first and foremost should be teaching and supervising students. Students should be learning in an environment in which they feel safe.

Cell phones take away from a students' ability to feel safe because just like a weapon a cell phone can be dangerous in the hands of some. Cell phone usage in schools opens up the door for harmful bullying whether by words on social media or by inappropriate pictures being taken with or without consent in a school’s locker room or bathroom. Furthermore, there is no good reason for a student to have a cell phone throughout the school day. Parents who argue that they need to get messages to their child during the school day can and should do it the old-fashioned way and call the office. If a child needs to get in touch with their parent during the school day, they should also follow the proper channels.

Some will argue that students need cell phones in case of emergencies such as an active school shooter. One could also argue that a student with a cell phone could be helping the shooter. Some just argue, and they usually fall into one of two groups. Group A thinks they ae above the rules, and group B are raising the bullies.l

Bottom line: We need honest, dependable people who have the students' best interest at heart running our schools. Unless your child is in a private school, you have the power to make that happen. Go out and vote for the best, most qualified people running for school board seats and superintendent positions because they determine your child’s teachers. (The most qualified candidates for teaching positions should be hired in our schools not just our former students and children of current teachers. We all know the direction that can take.) This is so important because we put a lot of trust in these people to prepare students for the next level and keep them safe.

As for vaping, it is a huge problem in schools both public and private.

3 comments:

  1. Those of us that have APPOINTED school board members (as in Sheffield) are screwed. Our BOE is little more than a 'social club'. I can't think of one thing, other than hiring Dr. Nelson, that they've done that actually benefitted the system, students, and teachers.

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  2. The students with their cell phones were the actual heroes of the massacre at Uvalde Texas. It was SUPPOSED to be their lifeline to help from the outside world and was used as such. The help that came just didn't help. And they "used their lifeline" to call for more. I am sure a lot of mama's and daddy's were called to. THEY CAME! The instrument itself shown the light of truth on the failures of law enforcement to stop "a bad guy with a gun by a good guy with a gun". The kids with the cell phone did the right thing. The cops did not. But the GUN was the actual villian along with the boy (18 yrs old?) that used it. This is just more deflection like blaming the door. Try anything and let the kids suffer and die before getting to the source of the problem. Recreational shooting as a sport is more important than the lives of children to the pro gun crowd.
    Students in the environment we have created today at schools NEED a safety lifeline to the outside world! If I had a school aged child, I would insist I be able to get in touch with my child at any time while they are at school. If not by calls, through texts. We have made schools into prisons and the child needs to know they have a mama and daddy lovingly waiting for them on the outside......and while in this "prison" like environment of shooter drills and armed gaurds; they can "reach out and touch" someone they love and that loves them electronically.

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  3. As a teacher and former LEO I agree with theavenger 100%. Scary, huh?

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