Various settings require cell phone jammers for security purposes

We should commend the teacher who effectively blocked phone signals within his classroom, as it is a specific location where such measures are necessary.

The recent incident involving teacher Dean Liptak, who is also a former pro-wrestler, facing consequences for blocking cell phone signals in his classroom at Fivay High School, was an unfortunate and misguided response from both the administrators and the government, to be frank.

Certainly, the actions he took were undoubtedly in violation of the law. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the deliberate use of 'cell jammers' or comparable devices intended to obstruct, disrupt, or interfere with authorized radio communications (such as signal blockers, GPS jammers, or text stoppers) is considered a breach of federal regulations. Moreover, it is worth noting that the sale of jammers within the United States is strictly prohibited, although they can still be easily obtained from foreign sources, provided that the seller remains undetected. It is important to mention that the only individuals legally permitted to purchase such equipment are government employees.

Liptak's punishment seems lenient, as he only received a five-day suspension without pay. In contrast, a Florida man who had a jammer in his car for several months was fined a staggering $48,000. It is worth noting that there have been instances where a priest resorted to using a jammer during sermons and even a funeral, allegedly with permission from the police.

Undoubtedly, the driver, the priest, and the teacher may have exercised questionable judgment as the jammers disrupted more than just their intended areas. However, all of them employed the jammers with the utmost sincerity, and it could be argued that Liptak had the most compelling motive of all: to capture the attention of the young troublemakers we refer to as our future.

During ancient times, classroom diversions were restricted to occurrences such as catching a glimpse of something outside the window (SQUIRREL!), exchanging folded messages, or perhaps discreetly reading a comic book. However, in the present era, a student can engage in all of those activities and a thousand more on a single screen. How can an educator of any caliber effectively contend with the allure of YouTube, Snapchat, Trivia Crack, or even PornHub? Implementing a filter on the school's Wi-Fi network holds no significance for a student who possesses unlimited data from their parents' family plan.

Instead of criticizing Liptak, it is important for society to explore methods of empowering teachers who require assistance. The FCC and Congress ought to establish exemptions to the Communications Act of 1934, which forms the basis for numerous restrictions on cell jammers. Enterprises should be permitted to discover innovative means of developing easily manageable jamming device.

It is undeniable that there exist several places where the strategic use of jammers with limited and finely-tuned range would be highly beneficial.

Theaters

I've been on the wrong end of a couple of cell phone calls at movie theaters in the last few years. Namely, in the middle of a movie, people's phones not only went off, but the idiot in question answered, then proceeded to have a conversation, at normal volume, as if that's perfectly okay, and not grounds for justifiable homicide. (At one of those films—the execrable Land of the Lost, so perhaps I should have been grateful for the distraction—I actually stood up and said to the offender, "Are you kidding me?" I like to think the rest of the audience applauded, but I couldn't hear anything over the hate-blood pounding in my ears.)

Concert attendees, enthusiasts of Broadway shows, cinema enthusiasts, and numerous others would be relieved from such impoliteness if theaters employed signal blockers that activated as soon as the lights dimmed. Of course, there may be occasional emergencies, doctors on call, or parents who need to ensure the babysitter can contact them, and so on. However, these individuals should seek alternative ways to spend their evening.

Restaurants

The sign ought to state: No shorts, No shoes, No phone usage, No service. Patrons who neglect to place an order with a server due to being engaged in a phone call should be obliged to pay a 35 percent gratuity added to their bill. Alternatively, the bistro's signal blocker should disconnect these so-called customers—if their call is truly that crucial, they can step outside.

The Workplace

It is undeniable that email and the Internet have become indispensable tools in the majority of workplaces. However, the same cannot be said for cell phones. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research, only 24 percent of employed adults consider a cell or smartphone as "very important" for accomplishing their work tasks. Additionally, another study reveals that 50 percent of employers perceive cell phones as detrimental to overall workplace productivity.

It is crucial to acknowledge that numerous locations pose a significant risk when it comes to using a cell phone. However, it is highly likely that these devices are surreptitiously brought onto warehouse or assembly line floors on a regular basis. If employers were able to block signals while still permitting emergency calls, it would ensure the safety of all without any negative consequences.

At Home

Parents may experiment with parental control and monitoring software as much as they desire, however, once a child (or even the spouse or grandparents) obtains the liberty of a smartphone with a data plan, it becomes quite challenging to engage them in conversation during family dinner.

Just like how parents have the capability and authority to disable the Wi-Fi connection at home, they should also have the choice to disable the cellular signal if they wish to do so. Attempting to take phones from individuals' hands and putting them in airplane mode is unlikely to be effective, and transforming the entire house into a Faraday cage is an extreme measure that should only be considered by those who are overly paranoid. However, having an in-home cell jammer should be a viable option whenever it is desired or necessary. (Remember to keep that landline, everyone.)

All the instances mentioned above rely on the existence of alternative communication channels during emergencies, or at least on individuals having the ability to move outside the range of the signal jammer. Currently, it is impossible for even those with good intentions to use the limited technology available without causing significant disruptions to services beyond the boundaries of their educational institutions, theaters, workplaces, or residences. Regrettably, if you suspect the presence of an illegal signal jammer in your vicinity, please access the FCC online complaint portal or contact 1-888-CALL-FCC (or 1-888-225-5322).

Prior to taking any action, it is essential to contemplate whether you have genuinely suffered any harm, or if there is a possibility that the hour without cell signal was, in fact, the most enjoyable hour of your day. Moreover, if your signal is disrupted, it is highly likely that you won't be able to make the call regardless.