Disadvantages

To begin, the most common argument is that cell phones cause stress for teachers, students and administrators (Honawar, 2008, p. 29). Recently with the phenomenon of popular sites such as face book, my-space, and you-tube teachers have found themselves the punch line of cruel jokes (Honawar, 2008, p. 29). Teachers no longer have privacy rights to their own classrooms as the fear of being taped has changed how teachers interact with their students (Honawar, 2008, p. 31). It’s not only teachers that are affected by embarrassing pictures and video taken with cell phones. Students also come to school with the fear of being taped, recorded and later mocked, it has deterred students from participating in class discussions as well as other areas of school (Honawar, 2008, p. 31). With a constant internet connection available on cell phones, cyber bullying is made easier and more accessible (Obringer, 2007, p 41). Cell phones are taken everywhere, into locker rooms, bathrooms, and other locations where their operation can violate the rights of fellow students (St. Gerard, 2006, p. 45), bringing to light sexual harassment issues. Students are able to downloaded inappropriate pictures, video, share it with other cell phone users, and post it on the web (Williams, 2006, p. 13).
In addition to disruptions cell phone capabilities have now have made cheating an issue. Cell phones with calculators and texting plans have allowed students the ability to solve questions and exchange answers with others. Phones with cameras allow students to take pictures of exams/tests and post information or pass it along to fellow students (Obringer, 2007, p. 41).
In the past, cell phones were banned as a result of their association with the drug trade (St. Gerard, 2006, p. 44), and times have not changed. Administrators are finding students still use cell phones to coordinate drug deals (Williams, 2006, p. 13). Students and members of rival gang groups call each other via cell phone when arguments and problems ensue creating a safety concern for all students (Williams, 2006, p. 13).