Teenagers and cell phones seem to be inseparable these days. You go to the mall and see teens either talking on the phone or text messaging each other. Cell phones and school may not be a good combination, however. Controversy abounds over the topic; here are some pros and cons about allowing cell phones in schools.

Despite what some opponents to allowing students to have cell phones during school hours think, there are some pros to the practice:

* Parents like being able to contact their children during the school day in case of an emergency or a change of plans. With the number of school shootings in the past ten years or so, parents may feel more comfortable if their child has their cell phone.

* Students can contact their parents if bad weather will cause the schools to let out early, or for other reasons not related to any danger whatsoever.

* A teen having a cell phone helps parents know their whereabouts. Parents can also let the student know if they’re going to be late.

* It’s much more convenient to call one another rather than having to try to reach the school office and get them to pass along a message to your student.

* Cell phones can be turned off or silenced so they don’t interrupt class. Schools may set aside certain places where cell phones are allowed to be used if they so choose.

* With text messaging capabilities, students could use their cell phone to cheat by giving one another answers to tests.

* Cell phones can be used to spread misinformation. If there is an emergency at the school, students may not pass along correct information.

* Students have been known to use their cell phone to make prank calls to the school. Some students have even called in bomb threats to the school - which is against the law, by the way.

* If a student forgets to turn off their cell phone during class, the ring tone and text messaging alert will disrupt the class and impede learning.

* It still has not been proven that using a cell phone is safe. There are some opponents that still insist that cell phone usage causes brain cancer. Do we want our children to be using them when their brains are still forming?

You and your child will have to determine how you feel about cell phones in school. Should your child be allowed to carry one to school? If so, for what reason should they be used? What will the consequences be if they’re caught using them outside of the reasons you’ve decided upon? These questions and more are ones you may want to think about before deciding whether or not let your child take a cell phone to school.