Doing the Right Thing with Technology: Feb 5

I was resistant to the theme of this article from the get-go. How can we "suggest" to students that they be courteous instead of simply enforcing our own policies regarding cell phone and ipod use in school. But, after reading the article and considering my own teenage son, I am now a believer. Consider this point: A stringent policy that simply details when and where you can't use such items almost assumes all other times are ok. I cannot tell you how many times I have ask my son to stop texting during dinner. Maybe a courtesy policy in school would begin to get students thinking about how to be polite with such devices outside of campus. What would be some other advantages? As teachers trying to enforce a courtesy policy what would be the disadvantages?