Ongoing advances in technology continue to provide challenges for Christian schools.  The latest technological challenge is the use of cell phone cameras.

Approximately 70% of all high school students own cell phones.  Many of these students attend Christian schools.  The advent of camera cell phones has added the prospect of new problems for cell phone use in school.  Recently, for example, a public school student took an embarrassing photograph of a classmate and then emailed it to other classmates.  In another school, students took pictures of their tests and sent them to friends for the answers.  These incidents demonstrate why all schools should have policies in place for controlling cell phone use, and particularly camera phones and other portable electronic devices.

CLA has already recommended policies for cell phone use in Christian schools.  We have now expanded that policy to take into account the rising use of cell phone cameras by teens.  CLA recommends that all Christian school handbooks clearly articulate policies, not only for the general use of cell phones and other portable electronic devises, but also to prevent the possible inappropriate uses of cell phone cameras by students.  Please contact our office to obtain sample copies.