What do you do with a kid's parent when?

Question

They keep bringing their video games to class, keep using cells and texting in class, and the parents are being unresponsive?

It makes me want to take the phones and video games and stomp on them. These kids these days can't write an essay let alone a RESUME.

What is the solution?

Answer 1

Unless you're the teacher, you can't do anything about it.  If you're the teacher, then you take it away from them and give it back at the end of class.  Cell phone use by teens is inevitable.  And how do you know, unless you're the teacher, how well they do in school?  

Answer 2

let the parents know next offense they will be taken away and the parents will have to come to the school to pick them up

Answer 3

My son snuck his cell phone and ipod to class, and got caught with both, and had them taken away.  Our school requires a parent to get them back, and I refused until the last day of school.  He wasn't happy, but oh well, he knew the rules, and thought they didn't apply to him.  You need to get your administration on board with some kind of policy that will give you the same power as my son's teacher.  If the rules are plainly spelled out, and the parents and student signed them acknowledging their receipt, then there's nothing they can do!  Kids shouldn't be allowed to disrupt class!

Answer 4

If you are a teacher and the kids are bringing these items to class you can kick the kids out of the classroom...but something tells me that wouldn't work since these kids (usually) don't care about their grades or passing anyways.  

You could take away the games or phones until the end of the day.  They are in your class and they have to learn to abide by your rules.  

I wish that there was someway to ensure there was no cell service in schools.  I've heard talk about a proposed signal scrambler like the type they use to stop people from stealing satellite signals.  I'd be all for that.  I agree that the grammar some kids use is atrocious.  

Answer 5

Have a zero tolerance policy.  Place a basket on your desk, as the kids enter your classroom, have them place these items in the basket.  A few minutes before class is over have them retrieve them.  Maybe call out the culprits in a positive manner verses negative and have them write an essay in regards to the item of distraction.  Trade them something in return of their attention during class--using the basket to control the distraction, kids of all ages like candy or gum.  I'm sure you are not the only teacher/educator experiencing this.  These kids are equipped with these items by their parents.  It is a shame.

Answer 6

Collect the items at the door, give them back at the end of the day. Unfortunately, these days with hectic lives, it is hard to get a response and action out of parents.

Or tell the kids you will toss them if you see them. You can really just keep them in your desk drawer.

Answer 7

What's your school's policy? Strictly enforce it! Depending on how old these kids are, you can also give them extra work as a punishment. Be creative! :)

I told my 5th-graders last year that if they brought ANY electronics to school, I'd take them and they would get them back on the last day of school... worked like a charm!