Cons

1.  They are a distraction.  Kids like to text and do not always turn their phones off in class.

2.  Children can use them to cheat during tests by sharing information and/or storing it on their phones.

3.  Camera phones are widely popular and have been known to be used inappropriately in school, for example in the bathrooms.

4.  Bullies use texting as a form of harassment.

5.  Phones are very easy to steal.  And with many costing $100+, they are very expensive to replace.

Pros

1.  Being able to reach your child at any time, gives the parent/caregiver a feeling of security.

2.  Communication made easy.  With working parents more hours and children with busy schedules, cell phones make it easy to stay in touch.  Cell phones allow kids to call the away parent and share their joy after blocking that goal or finishing the last chapter of their "new" favorite book.

3.  After school activities, practices and meetings always don't always end on schedule.  A cell phone enables your child to call for transportation when they are ready; this means no sitting in the parking lot waiting.

But here's the BIG QUESTION ... Does your child really NEED a cell phone?  Or are you falling prey into the "she's got one, I want one too" trap.  And who pays for the airtime?  Every family is different, and ultimately it's your call:  to phone or not to phone.  But it is also your responsibility as a parent to teach and enforce household and school rules regarding responsible cell phone ownership and use.

What do you think about cell phones in school or kids and phones?  We want to know; leave your comment below.