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December 8, 2024
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Linking Northern and Central NJ, Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester and CT

I was a bit taken aback by Wally Greene’s article, “Opposition to Cell Phones in Class: Is It a Good Idea?” (Oct. 24, 2019). Whereas he correctly lists many of the reasons why cell phone use in the classroom is a major distraction, he also indicates that cell phone use is addictive. Addictions are very powerful and negatively channel a lot of productive energy. As a former elementary, middle school and high school principal in both public and yeshiva settings, I am well aware of the very difficult goal of having students use the devices “responsibly and in moderation.” We cannot sever the impenetrable connection to cell phones. Instructional time is so limited and teachers are so stressed with meeting the needs of all students and meeting the curriculum standards that it is really a pie in the sky to have teachers take on the difficult task of addressing a very strong addiction. Some teachers can incorporate cell phones into their instructional programs, but I have witnessed students totally involved with their devices and totally disenfranchised from the instructional lesson. As a former innovator in educational programs, I do believe that schools must restrict the use of cell phones; otherwise, we will not be able to accomplish our task of education for the next generation.

Dr. Gerald B. Kirshenbaum
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