The classroom is one of the places where you need to jam cell phone signals

The developments surrounding Dean Liptak, a teacher and former pro-wrestler, who has found himself in trouble for blocking cell phone signals in his Fivay High School classroom, signify an erroneous response from the school administration and, to be honest, the government.

It is true that his actions were technically unlawful. The Federal Communications Commission states that the use of devices like "cell jammers" or similar tools that are intended to block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications—including signal blockers, GPS jammers, and text stoppers—is a violation of federal law. Moreover, selling jammers in the United States is illegal, yet they can be conveniently obtained from overseas suppliers, provided the seller avoids detection. The only individuals authorized to purchase such devices legally are government employees.

Liptak is facing a relatively minor consequence, receiving a five-day suspension without pay, whereas a man in Florida who possessed a jammer in his vehicle for several months was fined an impressive $48,000. Moreover, at least one priest has reportedly used a jammer after experiencing disruptions during sermons and a funeral, and he is said to have obtained permission from the police.

Admittedly, the driver, the priest, and the teacher may have made questionable decisions, as the jammers disrupted more than their intended areas. Nevertheless, their actions were driven by good intentions, and perhaps Liptak had the most significant rationale: to ensure that the young individuals we deem our future would finally pay attention.

In earlier times, distractions in the classroom were limited to minor occurrences such as looking out the window, sharing folded notes, or sneaking a comic book. Nowadays, students can access an overwhelming array of activities on a single device. How can a skilled teacher effectively compete with the distractions offered by YouTube, Snapchat, Trivia Crack, or even adult websites? Simply applying a filter to the school’s Wi-Fi network is ineffective for students with unlimited data plans provided by their parents.

Society should refrain from condemning Liptak and instead seek ways to enhance the support available to teachers in need. The Federal Communications Commission and Congress should take steps to revise the Communications Act of 1934, which is the basis for many restrictions on cell jammers. Moreover, businesses should be allowed to innovate and produce jamming devices that can be easily controlled.

Before you act, consider whether you were actually harmed, or if that hour without cell service could have been the most pleasant hour of your day. Moreover, if your signal is disrupted, you are likely unable to place the call in any case.