Ban all cell phones and smart phones

@mivvvy (174)
Netherlands
October 18, 2011 10:12am CST
Cell phones have become a universal aspect of life. Individuals run up high bills because many people are addicted to staying connected. People who use cell phones while driving concentrate less on the traffic and may cause accidents. Cell phones can cause brain damage especially in young children. Cell phones are already banned in hospitals because they interfere with electronic equipment. They can't be used in airplanes for the same reason. Many schools have banned them because they can be used to cheat in exams. My statement is: A complete ban on cell phones and smart phones is justified and desirable. Are you for or against this proposal and why?
4 people like this
19 responses
@allknowing (130154)
• India
18 Oct 11
It is not the gadget but its misuse that prompts anyone to think in terms of banning cell phones. As for me I am forever in the attitude of gratitude for this small gadget specially when I had met with a bad road accident and if not for the cell phone my quick recovery would not have been possible.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130154)
• India
18 Oct 11
I will never, never use it where it is not advisable to use it and if everyone follows this rule there is no reason why such an indispensable gadget should be banned. I will send my maid for example to buy fish and she will call me from the fish market telling me what she sees there and the rates. We talk for a while and then I tell her what she should buy. This is just one use but I have countless such uses for this sweet little thing called 'cell phone'
1 person likes this
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
18 Oct 11
The problem is that most people don't follow the rules. How did your maid buy fish before cell phone days?
1 person likes this
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
18 Oct 11
I completely agree in some circumstances cell phones are very useful and justifiable.
1 person likes this
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
18 Oct 11
Yes,there are disadvantages with cell phones, but we know better the advantages it provide us. The fastest way to communicate is thru mobile phones. It is very convenient for us each time we want to know the whereabouts of our loved ones. There should be limitation and restriction to be implemented...but not totally banned. have a good day
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
18 Oct 11
good point, but how would you implement limited use and restriction? Who will enforce this. Isn't a total ban far easier? That way everyone knows what to do - not having a cell phone.
1 person likes this
18 Oct 11
I agree somewhat. But, the advantages to having one far outweighs the disadvantages. I have a Blackberry and i admit, its part of me. BUT, i use it responsibly most of the time. I know the plan i have and my limitations. I do not walk, or drive while under the BB influence LOL, and i think if more people used it this way, they would be ok. I think most cell plans now will allow you to set your own limits. Also, there are apps for most phones, that will count all your total calls and notify you when you have reached your limit. I hope this helps a little.
1 person likes this
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
18 Oct 11
You make a good point there; {quote} if more people used it this way {end quote}. The problem is that only few people use their phone sensibly. These new apps are wonderful. You will use them, but the majority of people won't. That's why a ban on cell phones is justified, simply to protect people who are vulnerable.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157674)
• United States
18 Oct 11
For many people cell phones are necessary. I think they are excellent when they are used appropriately. I am not in favor of the government making all of our decisions either. Unfortunately even in situations where cell phones are banned people ignore those restrictions. The more laws we have the more time law enforcement has to spend enforcing them, so it is best to choose essential laws. I do think that those of us who are not addicted to our phones to set the example and speak up when they are being used inappropriately. It is sad if people are so addicted they cannot live their life without being "connected".
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
19 Oct 11
ban on cell phones law would not be very difficult to enforce. Every time a person is spotted with a cell phone this person is breaking the law.
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
18 Oct 11
I think there should be limited usage on them if you are not using them for business purposes. Alot of people use them way too much and will not lay them down.
1 person likes this
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
19 Oct 11
This is a very good suggestion, but how would you decide who can use it for business. Besides it is impossible to see if some one uses a cell phone for business or pleasure. That why a total ban is the only solution.
1 person likes this
@buddha3 (1026)
• India
18 Oct 11
No, NO, No. A total ban doesn't make sense since phones have become an integral part of our lives. There are advantages of cell phones too. Accidents due to cell phones are less in number compared to other reasons like drunken driving.
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
19 Oct 11
We have laws banning handheld use of phones while driving,and yet there are still people not just making calls with them but texting while driving!
@buddha3 (1026)
• India
19 Oct 11
Yep, same here in my country. Anything maybe impossible anywhere but using cell phone is possible no matter where you are, what you are doing, with whom you are and so on!!!
@buddha3 (1026)
• India
18 Oct 11
Yes, but banning can't be the solution. Just think about the consequences of banning cell phones! It causes more problem to greater percentage of people than the number of lives the ban may save! Strict rules can be imposed against speaking on phone while driving.
1 person likes this
@swirlz (3136)
• Philippines
18 Oct 11
Let me tell you a story. Earlier this evening (it's midnight here at my place), I have locked myself out. I asked the tenant if she has extra keys, but she said she doesn't as she already gave both keys to me and my brother, who I'm sharing the place with. Thankfully, my boyfriend arrived. I borrowed his cellphone to call my brother since he's out and working night shift. We made arrangements to meet and get the keys. If it wasn't for cellphones, I would have slept outside. You're just thinking about the disadvantages of cellphones. There are advantages too, especially in emergency cases. I think the restriction on cellphone use is quite okay now. I don't think we need more serious restrictions from it. Banning cellphones where they are most disadvantageous is the best way to go, and I think that's already in place. Like in hospitals and airports, during driving and in school during class. Where else do you want them to be restricted? In malls? I don't see why.
1 person likes this
@swirlz (3136)
• Philippines
18 Oct 11
When meeting up with a friend and she is late? If cellphones are banned now, how am I supposed to get inside the house then?
1 person likes this
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
18 Oct 11
You got a point and I am happy that your cell phone saved you from sleeping outside. My statement is not restricting cell phones but banning them completely. Why would one need a cell phone while in a mall?
2 people like this
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
19 Oct 11
Cell phones are said to cause brain damage when you talk on them too much. I very rarely actually talk on my phone. Most of the people I know, particularly younger people like myself, usually or sometimes even only use their phone for other things besides talk, like internet, camera, and texting. And yes some people have bad driving habits, but it is not because of phones. These people suck at driving anyway and would find something to get distracted by. Personally, I like the convenience and security that cell phones provide. People can get a hold of me if there is an emergency. I can get a hold of help if I have an emergency. If I get lost, I can ask for directions. I think that the benefits of cell phones greatly outweigh the negatives, and even if I didn't, there is still one more reason why I am against this proposal. People have the right to choose. People want cell phones and their rights to have them should be respected. If you don't like cellphones, don't get one. It's simple.
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
20 Oct 11
Today, fewer people actually use their cell phone for telephone conversations, many people communicate via their IPhone internet connection. That is a good move away from possibly harmful radiation. If all people would handle their cell phone like you, there would be no need for a ban.
@GemmaR (8517)
18 Oct 11
I think that we need mobile phones in the modern world, because we have come to get used to them and this means that we would be unlikely to be able to live without them now. Children need them to be able to get in hold with their parents during the course of the school day if they find that this needs to be the case. However, I think that there do need to be stricter rules with regards to when children are able to use the devices, as they can distract them from the work that they're supposed to be doing while they're in school.
1 person likes this
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
18 Oct 11
Mobile phone companies have created this need. They have made us dependent on their phones. We think we need them. What we are doing is making the bosses of the mobile phone companies rich. True to say, they did their marketing in an excellent way and hooked us all.
1 person likes this
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
19 Oct 11
I know previously we have survived without cellphones, but I sure cannot live without it anymore. So I do not fully agree to that proposal. People get into all sorts of trouble because of irresponsibility so why blame it on the cellphone? I do agree though that there will always be areas where cellphones can be banned. Like the ones you pointed out. I also am for a proposal that arrests drivers who are seen to be texting while driving. If they can arrest and penalize motorists without helmet then they can do the same for text-driving. Every driver must use a hands-free device and this must be regarded when they register every year for the Land Transportation office. I am for selective, NOT COMPLETE, banning.
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
19 Oct 11
[quote] we can't live without them anymore[end quote]. Do you think we are addicted to our cell phone?
@marguicha (215889)
• Chile
22 Oct 11
Technology (whatever it is) must be handled in such a way thay that we don´t become slaves of it. But banning it´s not the way. I don´t have an answer, but I can assure you that if I had a saying on it, I´d fine anyone talking into a cellphone while driving (including my eldest daughter). It is dangerous even with those devises of free hands. Your hand might be free but not your reflexes. I would NOT let students get into a classroom with cellphones or those music devices attached to their ears. If they want to listen to other things than what the teacher has to say, stay out of the classroom and accept consecuences.
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
23 Oct 11
very good points, all of these have to be enforced. That is the most difficult part of it, exception for this, exception for that. That's why a ban is easier.
• Romania
19 Oct 11
Hi. I have right because cellphones and smartphones affect our health and our mind, do things in our place, things like calculation. But the scientists can create devices which will not "destroy" us from inside.
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
20 Oct 11
Scientsist will one day find out if radiation is harmful or not. Radiation warnings were also given when the first microwaves appeared on the market. We never hear about these warnings anymore
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
18 Oct 11
If you have to ban everything people are addicted to, that is dangerous to our health or that kids use to cheat in exams there won't be much left over. I think the cell phone is a good invention. Everybody is able to make a phone call in case of emergency even if you can't have a phone at your home. BTW cell phones are no longer banned in our hospitals, that was jus for a short time. Each time there are test results about how bad the phone is, there are also results who prove it's not true at all. Those who have a cell phone should use it with wisdom and in case of emergency. To help themselves not to serve others and pick up the phone as soon as it is calling.
1 person likes this
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
18 Oct 11
If all people used their phones (and other things) with wisdom, the world would be a better place
1 person likes this
@airkulet (2700)
• Philippines
19 Oct 11
I saw a tv show that they made a test if a cellphone could really interfere an airplane during its flight but nothing happens they conclude that airplane today are made sophistically that it wont effect any gadget interference its flying capabilities. But I understand your point about smart phones but maybe except the cellphones.
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
19 Oct 11
The airline industry it not always frank about their motives. It very likely that cell phones do not interfere with the electronics in airplanes. They must have ulterior motives, maybe they want to introduce their own mobile service at double the cost
@olivere99 (221)
• Sweden
19 Oct 11
I bought a cell phone, first month i thought it was great, but sec-month I forgott the cell phone all the time. I don't like the cell phones cause many people are abusing it, like sending sms ALL the time. Many of my friends are addicted to cell phones, they always buy a new one, I don't I stick to my old one and I don't use it at all. I maybe would buy a cell phone sometime cause it's smart to have when you're on vication, I don't like to call at home, I rather call with home-phone then. Yes, I am against mobiles (cell phones). regards oliver
• Sweden
19 Oct 11
Yes and no.. my cell phone broke and my simcard broke too, i lost over 40$. that isn't so much, but it's much to me.
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
19 Oct 11
Your handling of cell phones is very sensible. I bet you save a lot of money by not using it all the time
@jazel_juan (15747)
• Philippines
19 Oct 11
I can live without my phone but then i use them to communicate with my family especially with my children and husband, maybe not totally ban it but have sanctions implements for those driving while using the phone.. and the likes. plus it is the users discretion i believe. one should know his or her responsibilities.
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
19 Oct 11
I can see your point. The only problem is that when there are some exceptions to a rule, people take advantage. That's why a total ban is is the best solution. Everyone knows what the rules are.
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
19 Oct 11
hi, mivvvy, as much as i recognize these disadvantages and dangers they pose, i do not agree on totally banning the use. cell phones are a necessity in this day and age. i could not afford bringing one when i am away, or my children without them when they are away.
• United States
19 Oct 11
A complete ban would be a bit extreme. Limit the use, I'd say. Also, mind your manners...don't be sitting at the dinner table and whip out your smart phones when you have company. I just think that's rude.
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
19 Oct 11
Minding our manners, if we all did this the world would be a better place. But reality is that lots of people don't know how to handle their cell phones correctly. Many people don't like to listen in to private coversations conducted in a loud voice, but without a total ban we are forced to listen in.
@ddaguno (3107)
• Philippines
19 Oct 11
for people like me who live away from their family, a cellphone is a must. a complete cellphone ban will make us rely heavily on our laptops and computers then. not all houses here have landline phones. how else can we communicated to our relatives back home?
@mivvvy (174)
• Netherlands
19 Oct 11
You have got a point. In quite a few countries the landline stage was skipped. But that is because of the development of cell phones. If there had been no cell phones, there would have been more landlines.
• Philippines
19 Oct 11
I think good policy in schools,hospitals ,airplanes but i do not know how is that important.. It is good for school to not use any phones for students especially when they have classes,and also disturbing. In hospitals i think if you are at work especially when you are caring for patient ,should not use it.. And airplanes i do not know why is not allowed inside..