Always do your best on in-class assignments. Even if you’re struggling in a certain class, your teacher will be happy to see you making an effort.
Recognize that using your phone during class is disrespectful to your teacher, your fellow classmates, and even yourself, as you’re making it less likely that you and your classmates are fully focusing on the lesson.
Try to raise your hand and ask a question at least once per class, to show that you’re engaged in the lesson and that you value your teacher’s contribution to your education.
Do not argue with your teachers in front of your classmates. [4] X Research source Apologize for distracting the class and hand them the item. Ask for the item back after class. The more mature you were when they asked for it, the easier it will be to get it back.
Try something like: “I apologize for allowing myself to get distracted during class. I’ll bring my phone to my locker and leave it there the rest of the day. ” If they say they’re going to keep it for the rest of the day, return after school and ask again. If you phone is taken and not returned at the end of the day, tell a teacher you trust or a parent or guardian.
If you feel uncomfortable having this type of conversation with the teacher, or try to do so and it does not go well, meet with the principal or a teacher you trust to talk about it.
Stated most simply: the easiest way to avoid having a teacher take your things away is to avoid breaking the rules that may cause them to do so!
Alternatively, if you broke a minor rule that does not warrant they take your item, you can calmly point this out and say something like, “I’m sorry for the distraction, I’ll put this away right now and it won’t be an issue again. ” If you refuse to give up a possession, know that your teacher cannot forcibly take anything from you. However, refusal to turn in an item with which you were breaking a rule may lead to further punishment down the line.
Your teacher’s actions must also follow the school’s rules, and must be based on safety and education. A teacher can never use force against you or another student. A teacher cannot break any of your possessions. If a school official does not respond to your claims, ask to call a parent or guardian immediately. If the school does not allow you to make a call, tell an adult you trust – whether another teacher or a parent or guardian – everything that occurred as soon as possible. Talk to an older sibling or an adult family member if you’re unsure about how something that happened and don’t know whether you should tell others.
School officials can only search you or your possessions if they have reasonable, individualized suspicion of your involvement in breaking a rule. They may also conduct a search if you voluntarily consent to their doing so. Reasons for reasonable suspicion include a school employee overhearing something, or seeing or smelling something directly. Suspicion that warrants a search must also be specific to you. For instance, if your friend has gotten into trouble and they want to search your possessions as well, they cannot search your belongings unless there is specific evidence that incriminates you.
If your cell phone or computer are in your locker, they cannot be searched without reasonable, individualized suspicion, your consent, or a warrant.
Plan large purchases for the weekend, and have a parent accompany you when handling large amounts of cash. If you do need to bring a large amount of cash to school for an after-school purchase, keep it somewhere locked up and don’t tell anyone about it. Be ready to tell a teacher or administrator why you have a large amount of cash at school. For instance, if you intend to buy a bike from a friend after school, be honest and tell your teacher the specifics of the arrangement.
Write down everything that happened during any situation where you believe your rights may have been violated. Include when incidents occurred, who was involved, and who was around. Include specifics, such as everything that was said and by whom, as well as anything that you were asked or made to do.
If a teacher or administrator asks for your permission, you do not have to allow them to search your phone. A cell phone search is only legal if there is reasonable suspicion of your personal involvement in breaking a specific rule at the school. Even then, a school employee can only look at what is necessary to confirm or the dispel the suspicion. It is illegal for a school employee to use your phone to call or text other students while posing as you.
If your school allows laptops, a teacher may only search it for reasonable suspicion of your wrongdoing. Files unrelated to something they may have the right to look for cannot be copied, or even viewed. For instance, if you have been accused of sending threatening emails, the school has the right to ensure that this is not occurring. However, they may not look at photos on your personal laptop while investigating the charge, as photos are not relevant to the accusation.
Similarly, you may be required to give a teacher your password to a school-sponsored email account. If a teacher demands you give them the password to a personal email account or device unaffiliated with the school, you do not have to give it to them. To ensure your privacy, store and send personal messages from personal devices while you’re not at school.
Calmly ask an officer who wants to search you or your personal belongings – including a phone or computer – whether they have a warrant. Ask if you are free to leave. You will likely be able to do so, unless the officer has evidence or reasonable suspicion that you have committed or intend to commit a crime. Tell the officer you would like your parent or a lawyer to be present if they begin to ask you questions you do not want to answer. If a search is conducted without your consent, clearly state that you do not consent by saying, “I do not consent to a search of my property. ” If you do not know what to do or say, know that you always have the right to remain silent.
