Cell Phones in American High Schools: A National Survey

Abstract

A survey instrument to determine school policy and practice regarding cell phone use by teachers and students was developed using a literature review, a panel of experts, and then a pilot study with typical respondents. The survey was mailed out randomly to 200 high school principals representing all 50 states. The return rate was 56 percent with responses coming from all regions of the country. The findings include: (1) A majority of high schools (districts) had policies in place, (2) parents generally supported the school’s cell phone use policy, (3) classroom teachers used cell phones at school for nonschool-related business, (4) disciplinary action for inappropriate cell phone use by students ranged from a mild reprimand to confiscation of the cell phone, and (5) the potential misuses of camera phones in high schools has not been fully addressed by many schools. Because cell phone use has become a part of American culture, and this technology is constantly being upgraded, school or district policies should be revamped periodically to stay abreast of this phenomenon. Specific recommendations are put forward.