Many teachers argue that students should not

be able to bring cell phones to school.

Although there are risks associated with
allowing students to have cell phones in
schools, with proper regulations like collecting
them on test days, the benefits outweigh the
risks. According to the article, “Using Mobile
Phones to Improve Educational Outcomes” by
John-Harmen Valk, “social interaction is central
to effective learning, as indicated by theories
of new learning, mobile phones should also
impact educational outcomes by facilitating
communication”.
Some may believe that texting while driving
with hands free devices is the answer to a ban
on texting. However, it has been proven that it
is not the actual process of texting while
driving that distracts the driver. It is the
cognitive distraction, or the thinking required
in order to complete the task that distracts
drivers. The majority of drivers will still be
distracted no matter if they are using a hands
free device or the traditional form of texting.
Therefore, the only answer to texting and
driving problem is for states to create laws
completely banning texting while driving.
One could argue that instead of focusing on
cars, which still encourages a culture of driving
even if it cuts down on pollution, the nation
should focus on building and encouraging use
of mass transit systems. While mass transit is
an environmentally sound idea that should be
encouraged, it is not feasible in many rural and
suburban areas, or for people who must
commute to work; thus hybrid cars are a better
solution for much of the nation's population.