A phone is not a weapon, it's a friend

Why do teachers seem to always over react when students have a cell phone? The first glance of modern technology and they go into a frenzy about how students shouldn’t have those things on school property etc. What I don’t comprehend is where’s the danger? Sure I see how having a cell or an iPod out during a lecture or exam could prevent a student from learning but what about when they’re NOT in class? What if they’re at lunch or have a free period? Shouldn’t a student have the right to text a friend to see where they’re at or call a parent to see whether or not they’re getting a ride home? I hate to babble but really? Cellphones (and any other electronic such as iPods or mp3s) are not weapons! They’re there to make our school lives a little less boring and a little more fun.