Dear Editor,      

    Due to the level of distraction and interruption that cell phones cause, I believe that they create more chaos in the classroom than they do opportunity.

    Sure, cell phones give a student easy access to tools such as a dictionary or a thesaurus. Certainly, it may save time rather than having to start up a computer to access these tools, but cell phones create a major distraction to not only those using the device, but also to those around them. Especially as schools are becoming less strict on cell phone use in class, students take advantage of this opportunity, and use their device to also distract those around them. Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram are only a few social media sites that distract students that are allowed to carry their cell phones in class.

    Cell phones have also created an easier way for students to cheat during an exam in class.  Students may set answers as their lock screen to secretly view during a test or slyly text one another during exams to share possible answers. Because all phones now come with a camera, it is easier for students to cheat by taking pictures of tests or assignments that can then be sent around to various other students.

    All problems concerning distracting cell phones may be eliminated by banning cellphone use in class. If students are not allowed to bring their phone to class, then they will be less distracted, and cheating will not only occur less but will also be easier to identify.

Sincerely,

Riley Gruenbaum