Some teachers and schools refuse to acknowledge the fact that kids today have, and use, modern technology. Technology that many parents depend on. For example, parents texting their child to inform him/her of something important. Or a child texting a parent regarding an important message. This messaging normally takes place on their phones.

Now here is the problem: teachers either taking their phones or giving the student grief for receiving or replying to a message. Yes, it could be just a message from a friend, but what if it isn't? In some cases the phone is a lifeline. Most of the time, the phone use isn't even in the classroom. And of course, the teacher should not be taking the phone in the first place.

In my opinion, teachers should not hassle students for using modern technology. The students of my acquaintance are very considerate when using their phones. And, the phones are no longer just expensive toys. The phones are important tools to use, which includes the lifeline function.

Sooner or later schools/teachers will have to recognize that the world is changing. Give the kids a break. Ok, some kids will take advantage of a more liberal phone policy, but they can be handled on an individual basis.

Cheers - Mike