Michigan students are now allowed to bring cell phones to school. This is because of newly passed Public Act 132, which was presented by Democratic State Senator Deb Cherry.
The cell phone act was the first democratic-sponsored bill to pass in 2003.
“What’s the point?” junior Amber Waits asked. “No one knows.”
Waits is among the many Southfield High students who say they aren’t aware that this change has occurred and that cell phones are now allowed in school.
But there’s more to the act. The act allows Michigan school districts to impose their own limitations on cell phone use within their buildings.
Southfield High’s policy is that students can bring cell phones to school, but they must be put away during school hours, said Assistant Principal Marty Bulger. The phone can not be seen or used between 7:20 a.m . and 2:20 p.m. This means the phones can not be used during lunch or inbetween classes.
“If we see it,” said Bulger, “there is a problem.”
Last year, cell phones were prohibited in all Michigan schools.
Some students, like junior Amber Waits, have already begun to take advantage of their newfound freedom. “The cell phone is a good help so you can call your parents to pick you up.”
Under the new policy, phones used at SHS during school hours will be confiscated and not returned until a parent comes to retrieve them.
“We don’t want the phones,” Bulger said. “The parents can have those back.” The administration only wants the students to follow the rules, he said.
Repeat cell phone violators can be put on social probation. This excludes students from dances, athletic events, and other school activities.
Also, if the problem keeps occurring, suspensions could be issued, Bulger said.
Public Act 132 was passed in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks on America by terrorists. The Act is designed to strengthen communication lines between parents and children, especially in the event of an emergency.