Cell Phones: In or Out?

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) recently voted to ban cell phones during the school day. Schools throughout the U.S. are weighing the pros and cons of allowing phones on campus; A law in Florida requiring all public schools in the state to ban cell phone use during class and block social media on district Wi-Fi took effect last July. Just south of L.A., Orange County public schools prohibit phone use during the entire school day, including lunchtime and passing periods.

“Kids no longer have the opportunity to just be kids,” said LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin, who authored the resolution. “I’m hoping this resolution will help students not only focus in class but also give them a chance to interact and engage more with each other — and just be kids.”

Your Task
What are your thoughts on this? Should cell phones be banned or allowed in schools? Write a 1-2 paragraph letter to your local school board expressing your opinion and why they should be banned or not banned. Be sure to identify the pros and cons.