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| Cell phone use restricted in Atlanta schools, and texting while driving gets expensive |
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| Written by Alex Hildred |
| Tuesday, 10 August 2010 13:18 |
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Everybody loves their cell phones, and many people swear that they can't get along without one. Along with the convenience new technology provides, however, parents find themselves facing complicated questions, such as whether they really need instantaneous access to their kids, 24/7. Truth be told, many parents would probably like to keep their kids on a short leash (or at least in sight), and to some, giving a kid a cell phone is the next best thing. When children go to school, however, that parental protectiveness runs into the teachers' and administrators' agendas for minimizing student distractions and lessening the potential for cheating. For the school year that started today, Atlanta school officials have implemented strict rules regarding students' cell phone use. Only high school students are allowed to carry cell phones, but the use of the phones during school hours is strictly forbidden. The penalty for first-time rule-breakers is confiscation of the device, which must then be picked up by a parent. Subsequent infractions can be met with in-school suspension and a fine of $25. On a related note, the grace period for the new texting and driving law ended Saturday. The Georgia State Patrol wasted no time before issuing $150 citations to people caught texting while behind the wheel, even if the vehicle is stopped. So people who really need to send a message to someone are advised to pull off the road and park first, or their "texting plan" could get expensive in a hurry, not to mention adding a point to their license. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites |
