The question is what kind of restrictions make sense. General rules are not favored by school officials, who prefer local autonomy in most matters. But this is one case where a statewide rule on access to wireless communications would be helpful and practical. A rule promulgated by the state Department of Education should simply require that personal cell phones and beepers should be invisible and inaudible in classrooms during school hours, and that neither students nor faculty should be permitted to receive or initiate wireless calls during class. It would be left to local school jurisdictions to refine that basic code to mesh with school climate rules outside classrooms.
Wireless communication is a valuable tool.
However, that does not mean that every call must get instant reaction. All genuine emergency calls to and from students and faculty should still be funneled through central offices. But non-emergency calls should be controlled and delayed until individuals are on private time, as defined by each school. Technology makes it possible for cell phones and beepers to both receive and store messages. Parents who believe it is vital to maintain wireless links with their children in school should make sure they are buying phones and beepers with that capability.