I believe that is wrong. Do you? I can see it being reasonable just having parent come in everytime to get it, but to hold onto someone’s cell phone?

Cell phone bills are hugely expensive these days, and they are using up money spent on that contract by holding onto the phone. In addition to that, a lot of students are employed and depend on their cell phones to keep in contact with their employer.

I think it is benign to tell them to just copy numbers down that they need. I mean I don’t have a lot of contacts in my phone, but copying down 50 numbers or something? Besides I might have my employers number, but how does that help them reach me?

But in addition to that, I have known teachers (vice principal) that tried guessing the codes and getting into students cell phones after they were caught texting in class to try to see if they were texting other students in class. I think that is completely wrong and a complete invasion of a student’s privacy, unless a law or something was broken, I do not think they should be able to do so without the student or parent’s permission. It think going through a student’s cell phone without permission is tantamount to going onto their laptop at home or something without permission. Thing’s on cell phones are just as sensative as something people may have on their computers these days, and should be treated as such.

Please give me your thoughts on this subject.
Dear Mathew: You make some good points regarding privacy and individual rights. However, schools do have the authority to create their cellphone and digital use rules. Most schools have what’s called an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that informs all students and parents of the restrictions while at school and consequences for violating the rules. These are set forth in the Student Handbook. That way you know in advance what’s expected of each student while on campus. The purpose is to minimize interference with teaching and to maintain an environment where learning can take place. The minimal consequences for breaking the rules is to get the student’s attention so that continued violations don’t occur. Keeping the cellphone overnight, for example, and requiring a parent to pick it up usually happens once – lesson learned. The expense involved and job responsibilities are additional factors a student must take into consideration when violating the AUP. As far as a student’s privacy regarding content on a cellphone or computer, that’s another matter. Schools are authorized to read text messages or search a student’s computer when reasonable suspicion exists that a rule or law has been violated. This may also be discussed in your student handbook. Discuss these matters with your parents and if a meeting with the principal is needed, they can make the arrangements. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).