Cell phones – it seems like everyone has them. After all, this is the age of technology, and being without mobile capability is like being without shoes – you could probably make it through the day barefoot, but you certainly wouldn’t like it.

Everywhere you look, cell phones are present: in line at the grocery store, driving on the highway, behind you in the movie theater. Most folks agree that there is a time and a place for cell phones, but no distinct line seems to exist to make clear the separation between appropriate and inappropriate use.

Recently, a debate has risen over how to monitor cell phone use in schools. While some officials think that the blurry line is being crossed by students who carry phones from class to class, others believe that separating students from phones would be an ineffective way to teach responsibility.

Schools in Bedford have seen an increase in cell phone usage, something Lurgio Middle School Principal Ed Joyce is related to the accessibility and lowered cost of the devices.

The school’s policy is that students are able to bring their phones to school, but cannot take them out from the time the first bell rings until the end of the day.

“Kids are kids,” said Joyce. “Sometimes they might forget it’s in their pocket and it goes off or they have them out. There are times when kids use them and we call them on it. It’s not that often.”

Joyce said the first time school officials catch students with their phone out during the day they give a warning, and a repeat offense leads to a call home, which usually ends the issue.

While students do use their phones for socializing, they also have a functional use as well, but a land line can perform the same task.

“Why would they want to have their cell phone? It’s for communication,” said Joyce. “At the same time, we have a phone in the office and take messages from parents. We have them use our land line during the day if they do need to get in touch with their parents.”

The principal admits that the advancement of cell phone usage can be helpful for students, particularly those involved in extracurricular activities.

“I can remember even 12 years ago when you were running late coming back on the bus from a game, you’d try to make arrangements to have kids call from a McDonald’s or something,” said Joyce. “Now the kids can just flip open their cell phones and let their parents know.”

At the high school level, the policy is slightly more lenient, as students are able to use cell phones in common areas such as the cafeteria.

Bedford High School freshman Julie Lambert said she doesn’t always use her phone for personal reasons, as it can help her in classes, too.

“I use my phone a lot,” said Lambert. “It can be helpful for school things, too, like if I missed class I can find out from someone if I missed any assignments or anything.”

Junior Trevor Morrissette said he has noticed an increase in the amount of young people who rely heavily on their cell phones.

“It’s ridiculous,” said Morrissette, adding that not many students in the school abuse the policy. “It’s become younger and younger that kids have cell phones. I know a lot of kids our age who have younger siblings in fifth grade that have them.”

Cam Barnsely, a Bedford High School junior, has also noticed an increase in usage.

“I like the school’s policy, and I think it’s fair. Sometimes you see people abusing the policy, but not a lot,” he said. “Once we hit high school, everyone had a cell phone. You can’t live with out it it seems like.”

Several weeks ago, Cawley Middle School officials decided to change their policies regarding student cell phones after an inappropriate photograph of one of the Hooksett school’s students circulated via picture messaging.

Cawley’s new system prohibits students from carrying phones throughout the day. Phones can be kept in lockers, but their power must be off for the entire school day, including bus rides. Students who are caught violating the new rules must turn their phones in to the administration, who in turn notify the parents or guardians of the student. The phone cannot be recovered until a parent or guardian physically arrives to pick it up.

Assistant Principal Matt Benson said students have reacted in a positive manner. Though the school has confiscated several phones since the new arrangement began in mid-December, Benson said taking phones away is “not an everyday occurrence.”

For the critics who say seizing phones is a safety issue in case of an urgent situation, Benson responded, “In any emergency, the (school) administration and emergency management team have a very specific plan. Parents should not be calling in at that point. Any misinformation that might be exchanged could lead to a very dangerous situation.”

Goffstown High School Principal Frank McBride said cell phones are a growing part of daily life, and he doesn’t want them to go away.

“Like anything else, there’s a time and a place for (cell phones), but I like the notion of giving people responsibility and letting them use it appropriately.”

McBride also said new restrictions often create more problems than they’re worth. Three years ago, Goffstown High School stopped prohibiting hats in school. The new freedom not only satisfied students, it wiped away a myriad of conflicts almost instantly.

But McBride realizes that not all towns are alike.

“Every school needs to find what works for them,” he said.

Hooksett schools have made restrictions tighter. Goffstown maintains a more liberal approach. But if there’s anything that every town can agree on, it’s that technology is here to stay.

Benson pointed out that although his school district has agreed to limit cell phone use, the relationship between the children and the technology of this generation has a great deal of potential.