When Students’ Cellphones ‘Colonize Their Minds’
To the Editor: Re “Kids Aren’t the Ones With the Cellphone Problem,” by Pamela Paul (column, Nov. 10): How ironic for Ms. Paul to suggest that we can “teach kids to be safe, responsible and independent” by taking away their access to a device that so many of their parents cling to throughout their days.
It makes sense for schools to ban cellphone use during classroom time, as many already do, but how does removing access to cellphones outside the classroom benefit students?
If schools really want to teach kids to be responsible and independent, they should have discussions with their students about which restrictions on their cellphone use can be beneficial academically, socially or personally, and which are unnecessary, or even counterproductive.
Keith HolzmuellerEvanston, Ill. To the Editor: Try teaching a student whose boyfriend broke up with her via text between classes.
