Cell Phones in Schools?

Cell Phones in Schools?

Here is our current policy on cell phones and technology:

Students shall not be permitted to use any personal electronic communication device, including cell phones, during the school day, except for instructional or educational purposes. For purposes of this policy, the school day begins when the student enters the building and ends when school is dismissed.

Students are prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including, but not limited to, cell phones, pagers, audible radios, tape or compact disc players, or any other electronic device in a manner that might interfere with the school bus communication equipment or the school bus driver’s operation of the school bus.

So no using your phone unless a teacher says you can.

Does that seem reasonable? What are the pros and cons of cell phone use by students? What do students and parents expect? What do adults expect from each other? I’d love to hear your thoughts.