A double standard perchance?

[SeaCat]

Okay this got me to laughing. They are talking here in Palm Beach County about banning Cell Phones in the Schools. A lot of people, teachers included fell in behind the bandwagon.

Then yesterday a student sent a letter to the editor making the statement that if the students couldn't carry Cells then the teachers shouldn't be able to either.

Today on the talk radio they had a call in about this. An open chat if you will. You would be amazed a how many teachers called in against this. They didn't feel it was right that they ahd their cell phones banned even though they wanted the students cell phones banned. Their arguments? The same as those from the students. The need to stay in touch. I had to pull over because I was laughing so hard.

Cat

 

[MagicaPractica]

Okay this got me to laughing. They are talking here in Palm Beach County about banning Cell Phones in the Schools. A lot of people, teachers included fell in behind the bandwagon.

Then yesterday a student sent a letter to the editor making the statement that if the students couldn't carry Cells then the teachers shouldn't be able to either.

Today on the talk radio they had a call in about this. An open chat if you will. You would be amazed a how many teachers called in against this. They didn't feel it was right that they ahd their cell phones banned even though they wanted the students cell phones banned. Their arguments? The same as those from the students. The need to stay in touch. I had to pull over because I was laughing so hard.

Cat

As a teacher, I agree with the kids. No using the cell phones in front of the kids or during class time. It isn't fair and the teacher should be busy teaching. That is the way our school handles it.

 

[only_more_so]

Okay this got me to laughing. They are talking here in Palm Beach County about banning Cell Phones in the Schools. A lot of people, teachers included fell in behind the bandwagon.

Then yesterday a student sent a letter to the editor making the statement that if the students couldn't carry Cells then the teachers shouldn't be able to either.

Today on the talk radio they had a call in about this. An open chat if you will. You would be amazed a how many teachers called in against this. They didn't feel it was right that they ahd their cell phones banned even though they wanted the students cell phones banned. Their arguments? The same as those from the students. The need to stay in touch. I had to pull over because I was laughing so hard.

Cat

I think it is ridiculous for anyone to talk on a phone during class time. I think that children shouldn't be allowed to take cell-phones into classrooms, since it is way too easy to txt message, or other forms of trouble making without it being obvious. Thus a kid who "needs" a cell phone, can take it to school and leave it in their locker during classes. If there is an emergency, their parent's can call the principals office just like they've been doing for decades before cell phones were invented.

Teachers as responsible adults (supposedly), should be allowed to have cellphones in the classroom, but should turn them off while teaching. Again, if it is a real emergency, whoever it is can call the school. Most "emergencies" can wait 45 minutes.

 

[CharleyH]

As a teacher, I agree with the kids. No using the cell phones in front of the kids or during class time. It isn't fair and the teacher should be busy teaching. That is the way our school handles it.

I get what you are saying and agree whole-heartedly, Magic.

 

[kendo1]

At my kids' school I would think that every pupil has a mobile. But, if it rings during school time they get a detention after games on Saturday.

Teachers' phones, from what I have heard, are to be turned off during lessons.

 

[starrkers]

Cell phones (we call 'em "mobiles") are banned at my daughter's school, but exceptions are made. A note from a parent is needed.
I can see why some kids would need a phone. Not in school hours, but for the trip to and from school. If they have to catch a variety of public transport for instance (a friend's son in a city has three buses and a train to get to school). If he misses one or other, he needs to contact someone.

But, no, they're not needed in school time by either teacher or student. Every school I've ever seen has landline phones.

 

[rgraham666]

Double standard all right.

But that's what human being do.

 

[SeaCat]

Okay, some of the reasons behind the banning of the phones is because of harrasment and the taking of pictures in such places like bathrooms and locker rooms.

The arguments the teachers use is that they are not the ones who are putting the students at risk. (?) (And how many stories have I seen lately about teachers and their young victims?)

Cat

 

[only_more_so]

Double standard all right.

But that's what human being do.

I don't think it qualifies as a double standard. It is two different standards for groups in different positions.

I always thought a double standard only applies when the standard is being applied to different groups in the same position, such as female students being allowed cell-phones, but male students not being allowed cell-phones. Or students in rich areas getting cellphones, but students in poor areas not.

But maybe that's just me being picky.

 

[Guest]

A teacher is a professional.

Years of college, continuing education requirements, state mandated certification standards . . .

They should be treated as professionals, and as adults, and if they so choose to bring a cell phone to their office (the classroom, their desk) they should damn well be allowed to do so. It is no one's business but theirs.

Every classroom in our district has a phone. If someone needs to reach a teacher or a student all they need to do is call.

CHILDREN who are supposed to be concentrating on learning, do NOT need a phone in the classroom. It isn't necessary.

Cell phones, pagers, iPods, gameboys, etc. are not necessary to the learning process and generally cause disruption. They are also often stolen.

I cannot believe that teachers, adults, are being thought of in the same light as children in this issue.

 

[Sara Crewe]

I am a high school teacher. I waste at least five minutes a day telling students to put phones away which may seem like nothing but it adds up over a semester. They are never stupid enough to let them ring but they do try to text during class time. Since I am a parent as well as a teacher, I agree that they should be allowed to have their phone at school but it should stay in their lockers because my experience has shown that most of them cannot resist the lure if it's in their pocket or bag during classes.

I have my cell phone with me at all times. It's on silent during work hours and only with me so that if there was an emergency with one of my kids, I would receive the message as soon as possible.

In twelve years of teaching, I have never seen or heard of a teacher using their cell phone during class.


As an aside, I find it interesting that an entire profession is quickly painted with the same brush. Nice to know, that a piece of the public is quick to jump to the conclusion that teachers are cell phone abusers and/or perverts all because of a few bad apples. If there was one nurse who abused a patient would that make all nurses bad? I know I personally would never think so...


Thanks for what you said Sarahh.

 

[SeaCat]

I am a high school teacher. I waste at least five minutes a day telling students to put phones away which may seem like nothing but it adds up over a semester. They are never stupid enough to let them ring but they do try to text during class time. Since I am a parent as well as a teacher, I agree that they should be allowed to have their phone at school but it should stay in their lockers because my experience has shown that most of them cannot resist the lure if it's in their pocket or bag during classes.

I have my cell phone with me at all times. It's on silent during work hours and only with me so that if there was an emergency with one of my kids, I would receive the message as soon as possible.

In twelve years of teaching, I have never seen or heard of a teacher using their cell phone during class.


As an aside, I find it interesting that an entire profession is quickly painted with the same brush. Nice to know, that a piece of the public is quick to jump to the conclusion that teachers are cell phone abusers and/or perverts all because of a few bad apples. If there was one nurse who abused a patient would that make all nurses bad? I know I personally would never think so...


Thanks for what you said Sarahh.

Now get your feathers down.

I just find the whole debate funny.

Cat

 

[Guest]

Now get your feathers down.

I just find the whole debate funny.

Cat

But I don't see it as funny, Cat.

I don't see the need for the debate.

There should be different standards applied to teachers and students because they are adults and minor children.

 

[Sara Crewe]

Now get your feathers down.

I just find the whole debate funny.

Cat

I guess I don't think it's funny when people backhandedly criticize my profession. I am pretty sure you wouldn't either.


Telling teachers they can't carry cell phones just because kids shouldn't have them in class is as ridiculous as telling teachers they need to be home before midnight or they are grounded. Get real. Like Sarahh said, rules are put in place because minor children are not ready to make the right decision for themselves at times. Teachers and other adults have earned that right already.

 

[Liar]

*shrug* I went to high shool not all that long ago, so everybody had a cell phone. And nobody had to say anything about it. Kids had phones to school, but turned them off during class. So did the teachers.

Same thing after that in the working world. I woked in a typical office, and on scheduled meeting, phones don't beep, it was no less ok to disrturb that than to yap on the phone at the movies. And now, when I both study and teach, that hasn't changed.

The machines have Off buttons. Is there then any reason to ban then entirely?

 

[Guest]

The machines have Off buttons. Is there then any reason to ban then entirely?

Because children don't necessarily follow the rules in turning them OFF.

 

[Liar]

Because children don't necessarily follow the rules in turning them OFF.

"My" kids do. I don't even have to tell 'em. They tell each other.

 

[only_more_so]

*shrug* I went to high shool not all that long ago, so everybody had a cell phone. And nobody had to say anything about it. Kids had phones to school, but turned them off during class. So did the teachers.

Same thing after that in the working world. I woked in a typical office, and on scheduled meeting, phones don't beep, it was no less ok to disrturb that than to yap on the phone at the movies. And now, when I both study and teach, that hasn't changed.

The machines have Off buttons. Is there then any reason to ban then entirely?

Where do you live? I would love to find a place where people's cell-phones don't ring during meetings, and nobody talks on a cell-phone during a movie. I've actually had people yell at me when I tell them to get off the f*cking phone. And text messaging is almost as bad because the bright blue screen is quite eye-grabbing in a dark theater.

I don't have that problem at work because cell phones are strictly forbidden. They aren't even allowed when they're turned off. It turns out that there is a way to remotely turn on a cell-phone and listen through its microphone, essentially turning a cell-phone into a bug. They busted some mafia types using this method.

 

[Divulgence]

*****

 

[SeaCat]

I guess I don't think it's funny when people backhandedly criticize my profession. I am pretty sure you wouldn't either.


Telling teachers they can't carry cell phones just because kids shouldn't have them in class is as ridiculous as telling teachers they need to be home before midnight or they are grounded. Get real. Like Sarahh said, rules are put in place because minor children are not ready to make the right decision for themselves at times. Teachers and other adults have earned that right already.

Sara,

I don't have to worry about them criticizing my profession in a backhanded manner. They do it right out in the open. Some of the kinder things we are called are shit wipers, Butt Wipers and wanna be Nurses. That's from the Patients. From the R.N.'s we get even worse. Now if you really want fun you need to hear what they say about Male Aides. (I recently had a grandson complain about me taking care of his Grandmother. The basis of his complaint was he didn't think it was correct as we all know that guys get into medicine to take advantage of women when they are helpless. Hmmmmmmm, personal experience maybe?)

Cat

 

[MagicaPractica]

I cannot believe that teachers, adults, are being thought of in the same light as children in this issue.

I can only speak to what I have seen in my school, teachers using their cell phones during instructional time repeatedly and extensively. It's not every teacher to be sure. I, for one, don't. Teachers are not banned from having their cell phone, just from using it during instructional time. They can use it during their prep time, lunch or before and after instructional time. I consider this reasonable. Just my opinion.

 

[S-Des]

Then yesterday a student sent a letter to the editor making the statement that if the students couldn't carry Cells then the teachers shouldn't be able to either.

Today on the talk radio they had a call in about this. An open chat if you will. You would be amazed a how many teachers called in against this. They didn't feel it was right that they ahd their cell phones banned even though they wanted the students cell phones banned. Their arguments? The same as those from the students. The need to stay in touch. I had to pull over because I was laughing so hard.

Cat

I'm completely at a loss here. You're saying that you think the teachers shouldn't be allowed to have them because the kids don't? The early comments were about teachers using them during class, but you haven't mentioned that here. If these kids are saying an adult (who likely has children that could have emergencies) shouldn't be allowed to have a cell phone in the building, then that's just stupid. Cell phones here are a nightmare in classes. Kids use them to cheat, to kill time, to take embarrassing photos of classmates, to record things (attacks, girls changing, teachers saying embarrassing things, etc...). How there can even be a discussion about this is beyond me (unless they were talking about teachers using them during class...obviously that is a no-no).

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

One of the big reasons they want student cell phones banned is because they are being used by the kids to text during tests to trade answers as well as during other school hours to chat rather than pay any attention to school.

Personally, my kid wouldn't have a cell phone until she was able to pay for it herself - in other words when she gets a bloody job!

 

[SeaCat]

Okay,

So far there has been no new info on the radio or the TV. Not surprising to me as this will end up having to have a change of certain laws.

Now as far as what I feel about this. (I'm sure it will surprise some of you here.)

Ban the damn things for the kids. Yes I did say ban them. I can personally think of very few legitimate reasons for them having the phones in school. (Yes I have heard the students, up to and including the use of them to make recordings for police if there is another Columbine type attack.)

As for the Teachers, have them either turn them off or silence them during class times. Yes they do have reasons for having them, legitimate reasons, but not during class.

(Now isn't that a surprise to those of you who thought I was attacking teachers?)

As far as the humor of the whole thing, the reasons I find the entire thing funny. Maybe it's just my warped sense of humor but since when did the inmates start running the assylums?

Cat

 

[Jubal_Harshaw]

Because children don't necessarily follow the rules in turning them OFF.

Niether do adults.

When we defend our children's "right" to act irresponsibly, we raise irresponible adults. I'd be willing to bet that 90% of all cell phone conversations are pointless and unnecessary. I still have trouble believing that peoople are so damned desperate for human contact that they hang up from one pointless conversation and immediately dial their cell to pass the same mindless drivel on to some one else.

Why is an 8 year old carrying a cell phone to start with? Who is so fucking important that he has to have a phone with him at all times in case they call? His parents? Why the hell are his irresponsible parents interupting him at school? He's supposed to be focused on learning, not what time you'll be home for dinner. Leave them alone and let them learn something besides how "cool" it is to have the latest cell phone with built in camera, internet access, video games and MP3s.

Why should a teacher be exempt? Who is so fucking important that the teacher has to stop teaching their class to answer a fucking phone? I doubt seriously it's the principal. I'd bet my next paycheck it has nothing to do with their class. So why are they wasting the time, you pay for to teach your children, by talking to someone not in that class?

Most people in this country don't need a cell phone, but Bill has one and Jenny down the street has one and my dope dealer has one, I just have to have one too or I won't feel adequate.

People these days are so incredibly disappointing.