In June, The Michigan Legislature suggested a House Bill to ban the use of cellphones in schools and on buses— an effort to minimize distractions during the school day. 

Cell phones are not only a source of entertainment, but a convenient tool for academic excellence and safety precautions. 

By banning cell phones in schools, the Legislature is threatening the safety and efficient learning of students. This hand-held technology can be used for more than just social media. Cell phones can also be used to conduct research and organize complex schoolwork. 

Many students believe phones should be permitted during school. 

“I think it’s important to be able to give students the freedom to use their phones,” junior Ian Mills responded in a Google Form sent out to the student body on Oct. 12. “Of course they should be restricted during testing but if the student chooses not to learn, it shouldn’t be a punishment for everyone.”

Self-sufficiency is a vital skill for not only in the classroom, but in the real world.

Cell phones could also be the key to increasing student productivity. Sixty percent of people are able to study better while listening to background music, according to the New York Post. 

“I use my phone for music purposes and that’s mostly it while at school,” senior Cameron Dohner said in response to the Google Form. “Other than music, I would use Google Classroom or other school-related apps.” 

Growing up in the digital age, students have become reliant on their phones for background music and educational applications.

Aside from the academic use of cell phones, they are also crucial for the safety of students. If cell phones were banned from school, it would be left to teachers and staff to catch any and all suspicious behavior— this would be virtually impossible. 

During the 2021-2022 school year, a student discovered an unusual note in the bathroom and alerted the office. Many people were able to communicate with their families because they had their cell phones with them.  

Students like senior Jamie Kemp were able to contact their loved ones and avoid the potentially dangerous situation via cell phone. 

“I texted my mom that I felt unsafe and wanted to go home,” Kemp said. Through cellular communication, Kemp was able to inform her mom of the situation and leave the school. 

All in all, cell phones are essential in schools for a number of reasons. Not only do they give students the ability to do schoolwork at their convenience, but they also offer a safety net in dangerous situations.