These could soon be banned from the classroom (WHO-TV / February 20, 2009)
A new proposal before state lawmakers would ban cell phones during school hours. Many schools already ban phones during class, not only because of the distraction, but also the risk of cheating.
While some teens say they don't mind being cut off from the technology, others say cutting out the distraction also means losing a major convenience.
"They're technically banned, but everybody uses them," said Chelsea Maxey, a student at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. "Some teachers will let you use them for calculators. That helps a lot for people who can't go out and buy one," said Maxey.
Even parents admit it might be a tough adjustment.
"You become very dependent upon the technology. Very used to it," said Angela Riley, whose daughter attends Roosevelt High School. "My daughter might be in class and say 'Mom, I forgot this,' and I can go ahead and handle whatever needs to be handled," she said.
House file 371 was introduced by Representative Deborah Berry, a Democrat from Waterloo. The bill would allow cell phones on school grounds but would not allow the devices to be taken out of lockers or bags during school hours.
While some teens say they don't mind being cut off from the technology, others say cutting out the distraction also means losing a major convenience.
"They're technically banned, but everybody uses them," said Chelsea Maxey, a student at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. "Some teachers will let you use them for calculators. That helps a lot for people who can't go out and buy one," said Maxey.
Even parents admit it might be a tough adjustment.
"You become very dependent upon the technology. Very used to it," said Angela Riley, whose daughter attends Roosevelt High School. "My daughter might be in class and say 'Mom, I forgot this,' and I can go ahead and handle whatever needs to be handled," she said.
House file 371 was introduced by Representative Deborah Berry, a Democrat from Waterloo. The bill would allow cell phones on school grounds but would not allow the devices to be taken out of lockers or bags during school hours.
