should kids be allowed to use there cellphones in school.

Before I begin, I would first like to establish the fact that this debate is not about whether cell phones are helpful or not. It is about whether they should be allowed in schools for students to use. Now I would first like to rebut some of the points brought up by Pro. 1. "I could use it as a calculator, do research on the Internet with it, and do my homework on it" First of all, not all cell phones include these functions. Secondly, these functions are not exclusive to cell phones. There are better, more specialized apparatus. There are calculators that can calculate and even graph some complex mathematical equations. There are computers, which contain numerous options and are more comfortable to utilize, to research. Third, there are no reasons for students to complete their homework on their cell phones as very few of the assignments require students to use cell phones. 2. "It was very, very helpful for educational reasons" Again, this function can be performed better with computers, books and even teachers. I ask the Pro to expound more on there educational reasons. 3. "Just because kids are allowed to use your cell phone does not mean the school would fall into an anarchy of texting and game playing" No, allowing cell phones does not necessarily mean that the educational system will fall apart. It simply means that the educational system will lose its efficiency and its purpose as I will mention later in my arguments. 4. "There would still be teachers to monitor usage and administer punishment when due" This is a very ineffective and wasteful solution. The fact that teachers, who we entrust our future generation to educate our children, have to act as CIA or FBI that monitors every activities that students perform is degrading. School should be a place of learning and of social interactions among peers, not a prison. Also, there are no ways of determining the "right" punishment that is effective. Children generally tend to rebel and loath the restrictions placed upon them, deeming this proposed solution highly ineffective. In addition, there's no way for teachers to monitor the usage of cell phones. Most of the times, students tend to hide and keep their usage furtive. 5. " Imagine sitting in a classroom where there are no computers" Most classrooms do have at least one computer. If the school has wi-fi to enable students to use their cell phones to do research, it is extremely likely that is has a library, a computer lab, and numerous other facilities that eliminates the use of cell phones. 6. " Just being able to whip out your phone and do research on it without having to ask permission to go to somewhere with a computer [is very beneficial]" I wouldn't call this beneficial. Convenient, yes, but beneficial, not really. If the teacher assigned a research project, he or she would have signed his class up for a library or a computer lab block, or assigned enough time for students to complete the project at home. Again, there's no need for cell phones. Now for my arguments. .. 1. Risk (Monetary) Numerous cell phones worth hundreds of dollars. Allowing students to carry these valuables to school is like turning schools into hunting grounds for thieves. As most students have physical education class or gym class in school, there are times when students leave their valuables unattended. The thieves strike and the students will have to experience the dread of explaining to their parents and possibility that they may not be able to obtain another cell phone. 2. Risk (Personal Information) Cell phones contain miraculous amount of personal information. They contain the contact numbers of one's friends and families. They can be traced by malevolent people to determine one's location and one's various information presented when one purchased the phone and signed the contract. In conclusion, the ultimate point I am making is that there is no need for cell phones. If there is minimal benefits but countless harmful effects from cell phones, it is logical and sensible to prohibit the use of cell phones in school. I will provide more arguments in the future rounds and I await Pro's response.