Should Schools Ban Cellphones?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with these essential questions: What are the benefits of having cellphones? What are the drawbacks?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether schools should ban cellphone use. The issue is timely because 97 percent of 11- to 17-year-olds use their phones in school, and some teachers report that phones are disrupting learning.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (As the governor of Utah, Spencer Cox is responsible for advancing new policies in his state. As a district superintendent, Neil Lesinski develops policies and rules to help schools in his district effectively educate students.) 

• Analyze Cox’s view. (Cox argues that cellphones are disruptive and addictive, and that kids who use them in class learn less. He points to the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning that more than three hours of cellphone use a day doubles the risk of mental health problems. He believes a ban on cellphones in school will maximize learning time.)

• Analyze Lesinski’s view. (Lesinski says that cellphones are integral to our lives and that kids should be taught to use them effectively to help them be more productive students. His district offers courses that take advantage of the features of cellphones. He thinks a blanket ban is shortsighted.)  

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information.

5. Classroom Debate
Should schools ban cellphones? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate.

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.