Text Messaging, Part Deux

So, Sharon called today and was telling me how she confiscated two cell phones during school today because kids were text messaging.

Now, I'm probably making myself sound old here, but since when are kids allowed to have phones during school anyways? When I was in high school (yes, cell phones were around then), it was an AUTOMATIC suspension if you were even seen with a phone, much less if was on or not. I remember one time that I forgot and had my pager (remember those?) on when I walked into school - I was terrified that a teacher might have seen me.

So, if you disagree with me, or if you are one of these teenage texting maniacs, please answer me this. What is SO important in your current phase of life that requires you to text someone right that minute, instead of waiting until after school to have a CONVERSATION (meaning two people TALKING face to face)? I don't remember cell phone usage being part of the instructional curriculum.

Teachers - take every cell phone you see come out during class.

Students - hang up and learn something.